Elder Fraud Scam Alert

BPD's Elder Fraud Unit recently investigated a case involving a victim tricked into believing she'd missed a federal court date and had to pay a fine to avoid being held in contempt of court. The scammer directed the victim to make multiple deposits into a cryptocurrency ATM. The victim lost nearly $24,000.

No legitimate law enforcement officer or government official will call and threaten you with arrest or legal consequences or request payment using cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards. Remember - scammers often cite the names of actual law enforcement officers and use "spoofing" to appear they're calling from an official phone number. HANG UP and call BPD immediately: 941-932-9300.