Manatee Sheriff's Office Warns of Scam

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office sent out a scam warning about two men selling meat from a blue pick-up truck with a covered back.

The men work to convince people that they ordered the meat and they are just in the neighborhood to deliver $500 worth of meat and that they will take a personal check. The men tell the victims that their spouse or some other family members ordered the meat. They ask for checks and then bring in the pre-packaged vacuum packed meat. None of the meat is stamped with an expiration date nor does it have a state inspection sticker.

As soon as they collect the checks the men go to the bank and cash the checks. The scam is largely targeted at seniors. Even though the meat could be very old, no fraud has been committed because the victims take delivery of the meat.

The sheriff's office reminds people that there are legitimate companies that sell packaged meat products, so not all are trying to scam you. But deputies are asking residents to report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. Residents can call the Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011.