Putnam County, FL – Authorities are warning residents about a phone scam circulating in Putnam County involving callers posing as law enforcement officers demanding money for bail.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, victims reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be “detectives.” The callers allegedly tell victims that a loved one is in jail and that payment is needed to post bond.
Deputies emphasized that the Sheriff’s Office does not call residents to request bail money. Scammers are believed to be using inmate lookup tools on official or social media websites to identify potential targets.
In some instances, the fraudulent callers used blocked or unknown numbers, but authorities cautioned that they may later use local-looking numbers to seem legitimate.
Residents are urged not to send money or provide personal information over the phone. Anyone unsure whether a call is genuine is advised to hang up and verify by contacting the Sheriff’s Office directly at 386-329-0800.
The Sheriff’s Office reiterated: “We will not ask for money for bond.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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