ST JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Scammers are posing as law enforcement officers — including FBI agents — to frighten and defraud St. Johns County residents, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
In a recent case, a resident received a phone call from someone claiming to be an FBI agent. The caller used fear and urgency to pressure the resident, ultimately telling them that an agent was on the way to pick them up.
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“This is happening where you live,” the Sheriff’s Office warned in a statement, urging residents to stay alert.
What law enforcement will never do
The Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that legitimate law enforcement agencies — including the FBI — will never call to demand immediate action or threaten arrest, claim they are “on the way” to pick someone up without prior official contact, ask for payment or personal information over the phone, or involve a resident and their money in a “sting” operation.
How to protect yourself
The Sheriff’s Office says staying calm is one of the most important steps residents can take. Scammers depend on creating panic and a sense of urgency to get victims to act quickly without thinking.
If you receive a suspicious call, the Sheriff’s Office recommends hanging up immediately and verifying the call by contacting the agency directly using an official phone number. Residents are also encouraged to talk to a trusted friend, family member or advisor before taking any action, and to never provide personal or financial information over the phone.
How to report a suspicious call
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up immediately and contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304.
Residents can also contact SJC Seniors vs. Crime to request a public presentation on fraud prevention or to file a request for assistance in a civil dispute at 904-209-1432. The Sheriff’s Office noted that senior residents are among those most frequently targeted by this type of scam.
“If something feels off, it probably is,” the Sheriff’s Office said.