FORT LAUDERDALE – The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is seeing an increase in the number of phone scams and is issuing a warning to residents.
In some of the incidents, the calls appear to come from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Scammers are falsifying the caller ID and using our main number, 954-828- 5700.
Scammers have also used names and badge numbers of Fort Lauderdale Police employees. Please be aware we will never ask for payment of any kind over the phone. You can always call us directly to verify any suspicious claims.
Similar scams have also involved callers claiming you owe money to the IRS or fees for other legal services and will threaten arrest if it is not taken care of immediately.
Here are a few tips to avoid falling victim to a phone scam:
- The calls are often unexpected. Do not hesitate to ask questions. ·Never give your personal information (i.e., Social Security Number, Credit Card numbers, banking information, etc.)
- Do not withdraw money, purchase gift cards or Bitcoin without first verifying the legitimacy.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission online: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov
Anyone who believes they have become a victim of a phone scam should immediately contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to file a police report, 954-764-HELP
