Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians about an imposter scam spoofing Florida Department of Law Enforcement phone numbers.
Imposter scams often involve spoofing, the practice of using technology to disguise the name and number displayed on caller ID. Imposters use spoofing to create the appearance that a law enforcement agency, or other government entity with authority, is making a request. In this case, the imposters want people to believe FDLE requires immediate payment or they will face legal ramifications.
“As attorney general, I am infuriated that anyone would impersonate law enforcement, especially one of our state law enforcement agencies – FDLE,” Moody said. “Not only are scams like this illegal, they make citizens question real law enforcement efforts. Please be on the lookout for these types of imposter scams and report fraud to FDLE, local law enforcement or my office at (866) 9NO-SCAM.”
Moody added that other common imposter scams include impersonating federal agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration or a representative of a utility or phone company.
To avoid falling victim to an imposter scam:
- Do not automatically trust the number listed on caller ID;
- Be wary of any individual who calls or emails asking or demanding a money wire, prepaid debit card or gift card as payment;
- Be wary of anyone who reaches out on social media pretending to be someone in military service or law enforcement and asking for financial assistance;
- Never provide personal or financial information over the phone or via email in response to a solicitation;
- Contact the appropriate government agency or requesting entity before paying for a government service and verify whether the charge is necessary and actually payable to the government entity; and
- Know that the IRS and law enforcement agencies will never call threatening arrest unless payment is immediately made.
- Report any suspicious activity to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.