Police Phone Scam: At Least 5 In Winter Haven Targeted

WINTER HAVEN, FL — If you get a call from someone claiming to be from the police department and demanding money, think twice. You most likely are being targeted by scammers.

Jamie Brown of the Winter Haven Police Department told Patch Wednesday that she knows of at least five such calls in her community alone, including one where an elderly resident was on her way to an ATM machine to withdrawal cash to send to the cruel thieves.

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"They called three times. The daughter of the victim actually was frantic trying to intercept her mom at an ATM," said Brown. "These people prey on those who are a little more vulnerable than the next person. You can easily confuse someone who has gotten up in years."

The scammers referred to actual Winter Haven police officers in their calls.

"They obviously went on our website and knew who the scheduled captain would be or the lieutenant on duty would be," she said. "They used those specific names. It's a little concerning."

The callers claimed to be from the police department and demanded money from residents "or they will be arrested," according to Winter Haven police.

"We do not contact citizens for money and anyone who receives a call of this nature should hang up and let us know by calling 863-401-2256," police stressed.

Brown said other scams involved scammers posing as representatives from the water company and other utilities.

This was the first time that the scammers used the names of Winter Haven police officers, she said.

Photo courtesy Winter Haven Police Department