Checkpoint-related scam reported

The Sheriff’s Office continues to warn residents about phone scams.

Here’s the latest: The Sheriff’s Office was recently made aware of a scam in which a person receives a text from a scammer claiming to be with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development stating the intended victim has been selected to receive $20,000. The scammer then ask for a photo of the intended victim’s driver’s license to confirm the intended victim is the recipient.

A few hours later, the intended victim receives another text stating their $20,000 was seized along with an organization vehicle were seized at the U.S. 1 checkpoint at Mile Marker 112.5. The scammers then ask for $500 so the scammers can retrieve their vehicle from the impound.

The intended victim recognized it was scam and contacted the Sheriff’s Office. The intended victim did not lose any money.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds all residents: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Another reminder: Never make any sort of purchase or monetary transaction regarding gift cards online or via phone. If someone asks you to pay in gift cards, you are being scammed!

To all residents: If you receive a phone call/text/email from ANYONE asking for payment over the phone or online via gift cards, 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!

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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