HENDRY COUNTY — We have begun getting complaints from the public that they are receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement Deputy, with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office.  The “deputy” is relating they need to be contacted at 863-553-0355 to discuss a legal matter, the victim in the case has a warrant for their arrest and must turn themself in at the Clewiston Police Department.  

IT’S A SCAM!

They may use your real name, tell you their badge number, give you a specific case number. All this information may lead you to believe that you are in serious legal trouble.

We want you to know this is a phishing scam.  You are NOT speaking to a real law enforcement officer, but a cybercriminal who is trying to make you panic.  Their goal is to scare you into acting without thinking. They will ask you to pay a fine by wiring money, purchasing gift cards, or sending cryptocurrency if you want to avoid being arrested.

Remember, you are not in any legal trouble, and if you pay this “fine”, you’ll be giving your money directly to a criminal.  So, if you receive a call from someone threatening to arrest you unless you pay a fine immediately…It’s a scam. 

Remember, Law Enforcement will never ask you to pay a fine using a gift card, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If you are asked for these payment methods, hang up immediately.

Sadly, several people fall for this.  These scammers sound very convincing, but they are not legitimate.

Hang up. Do not send money.

Please share on your social media pages, and most especially share this information with elderly friends or relatives, so they don’t become victims.