Sheriff Warns Residents: Don't Fall for Scammers Pretending to be VCSO Reps

Date Added: April 25, 2018 5:57 pm

Laura Williams
Office of Media Relations & Public Affairs

 SHERIFF WARNS RESIDENTS: DON'T FALL FOR SCAM CALLERS

A caller pretending to represent the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office frightened several residents Wednesday by calling them and saying a warrant is out for their arrest unless they pay hundreds of dollars. One male resident reported being scammed of $1,500. His case is being handled by the DeLand Police Department because it occurred in city limits.

Here’s how the scam works: The Sheriff’s Office District 2 office in DeLand fielded several complaints Wednesday in which the caller directed them to the sheriff’s District 2 office. And the phone number they’re given rings back to the Sheriff’s Office. The caller directs them to go to Winn-Dixie to buy a MoneyPak. The victim then scratches off the card to reveal a code to give the scammer. That’s how a victim’s money is taken in the scam. The MoneyPak even contains a warning on the label that says: Be Aware of Scams. Only send money to someone you know and trust.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood is again warning residents before about this scam being operated by criminals pretending to represent his agency. “Let me say this clearly. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office does NOT solicit funds. Never have. Never will. If you get a call from someone who’s reporting themselves to be Sheriff Mike Chitwood or Deputy John Smith, it’s a fake. It’s a fraud. And they’re out to scam you. Please don’t fall for this scam.”

The Sheriff’s Office does not call people and threaten them with arrest. If you suspect you are receiving a suspicious call like this, hang up immediately. Never, ever give a stranger access to your personal bank account or other financial information, Social Security number or other personal identification.