By Sgt. Jack Nash
PIO OCSO
It is that time of year again. Tax season brings refunds for many families, but it also brings an increase in scam activity targeting hard-working citizens.
We are seeing a rise in individuals posing as law enforcement officers, court officials, and representatives from government agencies. These scammers often threaten arrest, claim you have missed a court date, or say there is an active warrant that must be resolved immediately with payment.
Some are sophisticated. They use “cloaked” or spoofed phone numbers that appear to come from the Sheriff’s Office, the court system, or the Clerk’s Office. The number on your caller ID may look legitimate.
The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, the Clerk of Court, and the court system do not call people demanding money. We do not threaten arrest over the phone. We do not request payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards.
Other common tactics include:
• Sending text messages with links asking you to “verify” information,
• Emailing fake refund notices,
• Mailing fraudulent “return checks,"
• Asking for remote access to your computer or phone,
• Requesting Social Security numbers, banking information, or login credentials.
Their goal is always the same: gain access to your personal information and ultimately your money.
If you receive a suspicious call:
• Hang up immediately.
• Do not provide personal information.
• Do not click on unknown links.
• Verify directly by calling our official number at 863-763-3117.
Talk to your family members, especially seniors and young adults who may be managing taxes for the first time. Share this information. Stay vigilant.
Okeechobee looks out for one another. Let’s continue to do just that.
