St. Lucie County sheriff warns of phone scam targeting residents

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam involving people pretending to be law enforcement officers.Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are calling residents and claiming there is a warrant for their arrest. The caller then demands immediate payment to avoid going to jail. Officials say the scammers often ask for money through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.The sheriff’s office stresses that these calls are scams. Deputies will never call to warn someone about a warrant, ask for payment over the phone, or request money through gift cards or digital currency.Residents who receive one of these calls are advised to hang up immediately, not give out any personal or financial information and never send money. The sheriff’s office also asks that these incidents be reported.Anyone unsure whether a call is legitimate can contact the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office directly at 772-462-7300.Officials encourage residents to share this warning with family and friends, especially older adults, who are often targeted by scammers.Get the latest weather updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.

SAINT LUCIE, Fla. —

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam involving people pretending to be law enforcement officers.

Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25

According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are calling residents and claiming there is a warrant for their arrest. The caller then demands immediate payment to avoid going to jail. Officials say the scammers often ask for money through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

The sheriff’s office stresses that these calls are scams. Deputies will never call to warn someone about a warrant, ask for payment over the phone, or request money through gift cards or digital currency.

Residents who receive one of these calls are advised to hang up immediately, not give out any personal or financial information and never send money. The sheriff’s office also asks that these incidents be reported.

Anyone unsure whether a call is legitimate can contact the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office directly at 772-462-7300.

Officials encourage residents to share this warning with family and friends, especially older adults, who are often targeted by scammers.

Get the latest weather updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.