Broward Sheriff’s Office warns South Florida residents of resurfaced phone scam

The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has issued an alert, cautioning residents about a phone scam that’s making rounds again. Impostors are calling up folks, posing as BSO employees, and are fleecing them for cash by conjuring up fake arrest warrants.

- Advertisement -
Journey to Kingston-728x90

In a crafty scheme that preys on the unsuspecting, the perpetrators are claiming they’re from BSO’s Civil Division, insisting that the person on the other end of the line missed a court appearance.

According to a statement obtained by Local 10, “The scammer tells the victim they missed a court date and a warrant was issued for their arrest. In order to put the arrest warrant on hold or get rid of it altogether, the victim must pay up either with cash or through a payment app.”

BSO stresses the fact that law enforcement will not call to demand money. In a news release, BSO spokesman Carey Codd made it clear, “BSO nor any law enforcement agency will ever call you and ask for money.” These swindlers have dusted off an old playbook, as the scam initially came to BSO’s attention in August 2023.

As part of the same con, which is smeared with a fresh coat of deception, some con artists have even started dropping the names of actual BSO employees. “Sadly, this scam is not new,” Codd told Local 10, in a bitter reminder that old scams never die—they just go dormant until the next hunting season for scammers.

Detectives investigating the case have identified a specific focus on medical professionals as targets of this phone scam.

The agency advises ending the call immediately if you receive such a scam attempt and to contact law enforcement. The BSO has established a non-emergency line, so people can report these fraud calls directly by dialing 954-764-HELP (4357). Residents should remain vigilant, knowing well that any call from BSO requesting money or personal information is a surefire sign of a scam at play.

More Stories

City of Miramar

City of Miramar joins national initiative to expand job access for residents with disabilities

The City of Miramar has been selected to participate in a national workforce development program aimed at expanding employment opportunities for residents with disabilities. The...

Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator presents ‘Riddims of Graffiti,’ a solo exhibition by Izia Lindsay

The Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator, Inc. (DVCAI) is set to unveil Riddims of Graffiti, a solo exhibition by Trinidad and Tobago-born artist Diaspora...
Palm Beach International Airport

Palm Beach airport set to be renamed Donald J. Trump International Airport

Palm Beach International Airport is officially on track for a major rebrand after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation authorizing the change and Palm...
sentenced

Bahamian national convicted in South Florida cocaine and migrant smuggling operation

A federal jury in Fort Lauderdale has convicted a Bahamian national for his role in a large-scale maritime smuggling operation that transported hundreds of...

Former Florida Congressman convicted in $50 million Venezuela-linked lobbying scheme

A federal jury in Miami has convicted former U.S. Congressman David Rivera and lobbyist Esther Nuhfer for secretly lobbying on behalf of the Venezuelan...
jobs Sunrise fair

Broward officials push job opportunities with Port Everglades career fair

In the wake of the recent shutdown of Spirit Airlines—which left roughly 8,000 Broward County residents without jobs—local officials are ramping up efforts to...

Broward advances major flood resiliency plan to protect communities

Broward County officials have taken a key step forward in strengthening flood protection efforts, formally advancing a major resiliency project aimed at safeguarding communities...

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum elects first Haitian-American President

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum has named Cleopatra Bauduy Moise as its new board president, making her the first Haitian-American to lead the organization, in...
healthy heart

Caring for your heart with all of ours

Heart health is often overlooked until warning signs appear. According to the National Institutes of Health, atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common heart...
Maxwell Chambers

Miramar Commissioner Maxwell Chambers launches campaign to fund mobile medical bus for Jamaica

Miramar Commissioner Maxwell Chambers has launched a 30-day fundraising drive aimed at expanding healthcare access in Jamaica through the deployment of a mobile medical...

Latest Articles