Broward Sheriff’s Office warns of new scam targeting families of recent arrestees

The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) is alerting residents to what officials describe as “an emerging scam” in which criminals impersonate law enforcement officers and pressure victims into sending money electronically — a scheme authorities say mirrors similar fraud attempts seen across South Florida in recent months.

According to BSO, scammers have been calling family members of people who were recently arrested, posing as deputies, sergeants, or pre-trial specialists. The callers claim that immediate payment is needed to resolve an arrest or secure a release, and often demand money through Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, wire transfers, or gift cards.

“The Broward Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about an emerging scam involving individuals impersonating law enforcement personnel. The suspects are contacting family members of people recently arrested and are posing as deputies, sergeants or pretrial specialists,” the agency said in a statement.

BSO noted that the scheme plays on fear, urgency, and confusion following an arrest — a tactic consistent with other impersonation scams reported in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and other parts of the region, where callers have also pretended to be officers, court staff, or federal agents.

Deputies stressed that BSO will never request money over the phone or through any digital payment service. Officials urge residents to immediately hang up if someone claiming to be from BSO asks for payment, and to avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers.

Authorities are also encouraging the public to warn relatives, caregivers, and individuals who may be more vulnerable to fraud about these types of scams.

Residents seeking to verify an arrest should contact the BSO Main Jail at (954) 831-5900 or visit www.sheriff.org.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized is urged to call the BSO non-emergency line at (954) 764-HELP (4357) to file a report.