Scammers are always looking for ways to separate victims from their money. In recent days, a recurring scam using the good name of the Broward Sheriff’s Office has resurfaced, and detectives are warning residents to be on the lookout.
The scam works like this – an unwitting victim receives a call from someone claiming to be a BSO employee in the agency’s Civil Division. The scammer tells the victim they missed a court date and a warrant was issued for their arrest. In order to put the arrest warrant on hold or get rid of it altogether, the victim must pay up either with cash or through a payment app. BSO wants the public to know this is a scam, and neither BSO nor any law enforcement agency will ever call you and ask for money.
Sadly, this scam is not new. In fact, BSO educated the public on this issue in August 2023. There is also a version of this scam where scammers claimed to be BSO employees at the Broward County courthouse. In these cases, the scammers often use the names of real BSO employees. But the public should not be fooled — if you get a call like this, immediately hang up the call and contact law enforcement.
BSO will never demand money or personal information, bond money or any form of payment. If you receive this type of call, do not provide any personal information or money. Instead, hang up the call and report it to the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where you live. If you live in a BSO jurisdiction, call BSO’s non-emergency number 954-764-HELP (4357).
