The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a new and disturbing phone scam in order to help citizens protect themselves from becoming victims.

Scammers are taking deception to another level by spoofing the phone numbers of Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Victim Advocates to trick unsuspecting residents into believing they’re speaking with a trusted member of our agency.

We’ve recently received several reports of scammers impersonating SCSO Victim Advocates, using legitimate agency phone numbers to gain the trust of their targets and convince them to send money.

In one recent case, a scammer contacted a resident claiming their brother had been arrested for Domestic Battery. The caller offered what appeared to be a legitimate treatment program but insisted a deposit was required. Believing the call was genuine, the resident sent $1,350 through Zelle.

Victim Advocates serve an important role in our criminal justice system, providing support, guidance, and assistance to individuals during some of their most difficult moments. Scammers are deliberately exploiting that trusted relationship to deceive the very people our agency works to protect.

If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to represent SCSO, hang up and independently verify the call by contacting our main line at 941-861-5800.

REMEMBER, Law enforcement agencies will NEVER call and demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.

Help us protect our community by sharing this warning with friends and family.