Another phone scam alert — second this week 

A new phone scam is being reported to the Sheriff’s Office in which suspects claim they are with a cable company, notably Comcast, offering discounts.

The scammer tells the victim to purchase eBay cards for a certain amount as well ask for the victim’s Comcast account information to start the process. The scammers tell the victims to call 1-888-491-1054 to activate the fake “discounts.” The Sheriff’s Office contacted Comcast and their fraud division stated they have no knowledge of this “discount,” nor do they offer promotions in this manner — i.e. via gift card payment.

A familiar scam in which callers claim to be law enforcement or other government officials demanding payment for any litany of reasons over the phone — often with store-bought gift cards — is also being reported this week.

Scammers often claim to be people of authority or law enforcement — they often impersonate Sheriff Rick Ramsay — and falsely claim they need information from residents to squash an arrest warrant or quell some criminal matter, all of which are lies. They often use real Sheriff’s Office phone numbers in their deceit.

In another incarnation reported this week: Someone claiming to be the Director of Monroe County Social Services is calling other county employees asking they buy the director gift cards. The caller tells the target not to tell anyone about the purchase.

To all residents: If you receive a phone call/text/email from someone purporting to be a government official, a law enforcement officer or some other legal professional — including large corporations — demanding payment over the phone for any reason, hang up immediately and call that person to verify the claim. Odds are you are being scammed.

Be particularly weary if the caller asks for gift card information. This is a sure sign you are being scammed.

Residents should never give personal, monetary or gift card information over the phone — TO ANYONE REGARDLESS OF WHO THEY CLAIM TO BE!

Government agencies do not operate in this manner.

Anyone with information about any crimes should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 305-292-7000. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-471-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and if a tip leads to an arrest in the case, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips may also be submitted online at www.floridakeyscrimestoppers.com or via a text message using the smartphone app called P3 Phone. Tips can also be submitted via social media such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the @CrimeStoppers305 hashtag.

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