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Ocala
Friday, March 29, 2024

Ocala Police Department warns of roadside scammers

Roadside panhandling has become a common sight in many cities, and the Ocala Police Department is reminding residents that some of these individuals are actually scammers.

In a social media post, the Ocala Police Department stated, “It’s important to remember that not all of these individuals are truly in need.” Many of these individuals, according to OPD, use false stories and fictitious signs to prey on the generosity of kind-hearted motorists.

OPD shared two photos that were recently taken at the intersection of NW 10th Street and N Pine Avenue in Ocala, along with a picture that was taken in Springfield, Missouri. The individuals at the Ocala intersection drove a silver Toyota Sienna van with a California license plate, according to the police department.

OPD roadside scammers 1
Roadside panhandlers in Springfield, Missouri (left) and at the intersection of NW 10th Street and N Pine Avenue in Ocala (right)
OPD roadside scammers 2
Another photo of the roadside panhandlers at the intersection of NW 10th Street and N Pine Avenue in Ocala

To help avoid the risk of being scammed, OPD advises residents to avoid handing out cash or loose change to those who are begging for money by the side of the road. According to OPD, any funds that are handed to these individuals may be used to purchase drugs or alcohol instead of food, shelter, or in the case of the panhandlers photographed at the intersection of NW 10th Street and N Pine Avenue, a child’s funeral in Romania.

“Similar scams like this are popping up throughout the country because the scammers are finding they’re making a lot of money by tricking nice people. Don’t be fooled,” stated OPD.

There are multiple legitimate charities and organizations that provide assistance to those who are truly in need. The Ocala Police Department states that donations to one of these groups will be put to better use than handing out the money to a panhandler.