Sheriff Bobby McCallum and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam in which individuals impersonate law enforcement officers and threaten victims with arrest to obtain money.
Recently, a victim was contacted by an individual whose caller ID displayed the phone number 352-486-5111 (tel:352-486-5111). The caller identified himself as “Jason Taylor” with the Financial Crimes Unit and claimed the victim had failed to appear for a federal jury summons. The caller further alleged that three warrants had been issued for the victim’s arrest and instructed her to turn herself in at the Levy County Jail.
While the victim was traveling to the Sheriff’s Office, the caller contacted her again and instructed her to pull over. The caller then advised her that she could avoid being taken into custody by paying $2,700 in bond through a kiosk at a Gainesville convenience store.
After making that payment, the victim was contacted by additional individuals identifying themselves as “Captain Bradshaw” and “Deputy Jared Oliver.” She was then instructed to pay an additional $1,500 as a supposed first-time offender fine.
Believing the individuals were legitimate law enforcement personnel, the victim followed their instructions and lost a total of $4,200. She was also instructed to provide a copy of her photo identification.
This incident serves as an important reminder that scammers may use official-sounding titles, spoofed caller ID information, threats of arrest, and demands for immediate payment to deceive unsuspecting victims.
PROTECT YOURSELF:
Law enforcement will not demand payment through a convenience store kiosk to make arrest warrants disappear, nor will law enforcement call or demand payments of any kind. Never send money, deposit funds, or provide payment codes or PINs to someone who unexpectedly contacts you and threatens arrest. Caller ID information can be spoofed. A call displaying a legitimate agency’s phone number does not guarantee the caller is an actual law enforcement officer. Never provide copies of your identification or personal information to unverified callers. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and independently contact the agency using a publicly listed telephone number to verify the information. If you have lost money in a scam, report the incident to your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.REMEMBER: Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and intimidation to pressure victims into making quick decisions. Take a moment to verify the information before taking action.
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to share this warning with family members, friends, and neighbors to help prevent others from becoming victims of these deceptive schemes.