FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to remain vigilant as criminals continue to target individuals and families across the county with scams and fraud schemes.
Since Jan. 1, FCSO deputies and detectives have investigated at least 150 fraud-related cases. Many involve scammers who use fear, urgency and impersonation tactics to pressure victims into sending money or disclose personal information.
Recommended Videos
“Scammers succeed when they create panic and demand immediate action,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Let me be clear: no law enforcement agency will ever call, text, or email you demanding payment to avoid arrest, to ‘clear’ a warrant, or to bond someone out. If someone threatens you with jail unless you pay right now — hang up. It’s a scam.”
Common scams reported
FCSO has received reports of several types of scams, including law enforcement impersonation, in which scammers claim to be an FCSO employee or deputy — sometimes using real names — and demand payment to avoid arrest, resolve “paperwork” or clear a fictitious warrant.
Court-related text scams are also on the rise. Messages such as “FINAL NOTICE - COURT ENFORCEMENT ACTION” pressure recipients to scan a QR code or click a link to pay a “balance” or avoid license suspension.
Residents are also being targeted by payment-by-gift-card and cryptocurrency scams. Any demand to pay using gift cards, Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or payment apps is a scam, according to FCSO.
Scammers may also send official-looking paperwork with forged seals or signatures to appear legitimate. In another scheme, scammers impersonate bank representatives, convincing victims their accounts are compromised and that a courier will collect cash to “protect” it and open a new account.
What residents should know
FCSO reminds residents of several key facts. Caller ID can be spoofed, meaning a call may appear to come from a trusted agency when it does not. Law enforcement will never ask for money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to prevent an arrest.
Residents should not click links or scan QR codes sent by unknown sources or those requesting urgent action. If a caller claims to be from FCSO, residents can verify by calling the non-emergency number at 386-313-4911.
What to do if targeted
If a resident receives a suspicious call, text or email, FCSO advises stopping all engagement immediately and not providing personal information or sending money. Residents should document what they can — including the phone number used, screenshots, names used and any links sent — and report it.
“Even attempted scams help investigators identify patterns and prevent future victims,” the agency said.
Residents can report scams or suspicious activity by calling FCSO’s non-emergency number at 386-313-4911. In an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Residents can also visit the Florida Chief Financial Officer’s fraud reporting resource at myfloridacfo.com or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Growing threat, growing response
FCSO continues to provide scam-prevention presentations to community groups, homeowners associations and local organizations. Groups interested in hosting a presentation may contact CommunityEngagement@flaglersheriff.com.
“Our Cyber Crimes Unit is the fastest growing unit in the Sheriff’s Office,” Staly said. “Last year over $1 million was reported stolen by our residents by scammers. We need you to be the first line of defense and learn how to protect yourself from being scammed out of your nest egg.”
Those who have been impacted by fraud and need support navigating next steps can contact FCSO for connections to additional resources.