Video Shows Woman Sought in Scam Targeting Pinellas Residents

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be very wary of phone callers who claim to be representatives of their banking institutions. It seems three elderly residents have been targeted by scammers over the past week.

According to the agency, the scammers call victims and pretend to be bank representatives. Victims have been told they need to exchange their debit cards for a new chip card. The scammer then proceeds to offer to send a “bank representative” over to the victim’s home to complete the exchange, an email from the sheriff’s office said.

“The suspect shows up to the victim's home and exchanges the debit card along with the card's pin number with the promise that the victim will receive a new chip card in the mail,” the email said. “The suspect immediately uses the victim's debit card to withdraw money from the victim's account and purchases gift cards from local retail stores.”

Pinellas detectives say the person who went to the victims’ homes is a black female who is estimated to be about 30 years old. She stands about 5-foot-7 and has a thin build. Surveillance video of the suspect pulled from a store where a victim’s debit card was used has been released.

“Deputies advise citizens should never give personal information or account information over the phone unless you are initiating the phone call,” the email said. “If someone comes to your residence claiming to be from the bank, do not provide them with any personal information or property, such as debit or credit cards.”

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect or information about the scam is asked to call Det. J. Holden at 727-582-6200. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-873-TIPS.

Video and screenshot courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office