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By Staff
ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Alachua Police Department are issuing warnings about a spate of scams where individuals impersonating law enforcement officers attempt to extort money from unsuspecting residents.
Alachua Police Department Alert
The Alachua Police Department has reported incidents involving a scammer posing as “Sergeant Young,” an actual officer within the department. This impersonator contacts citizens, falsely claiming they have missed jury duty and must pay a fee to avoid arrest. The department emphasizes that legitimate police officers will never solicit money over the phone. They advise anyone receiving such a call to hang up immediately, refrain from sending money or divulging personal information, and promptly report the incident to their local law enforcement agency.
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Advisory
Yesterday, deputies made contact with a community member who reported losing $2,100 after sending money to an individual falsely claiming to be an employee of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the report, the caller told the victim that their incarcerated family member could be released from jail if a bond was paid through a digital payment service. The caller also provided details about a supposed probation officer, a Jail Diversion Program, and community service requirements the loved one would need to complete after payment was made.
We want to be clear; it is not standard practice for law enforcement to provide information about probation eligibility or diversion programs in this manner.
It’s also important to understand that certain arrest information is public and accessible online, including names, dates of birth, and home addresses. Scammers may use this information to make their claims appear credible and to create pressure during already stressful situations.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and law enforcement agencies in general, will never call and demand payment over the phone under any circumstance. Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from our agency, and they may even provide a fake badge number. These tactics are designed to build trust, but they are not indicators of legitimacy.
These scams are intended to create a sense of urgency and fear, making it harder to pause and verify the information. If you receive a call like this, we encourage you to hang up. If the individual continues to call or text, you do not need to engage.
Instead, contact our office directly using a trusted number. You can reach our non-emergency line at 352-955-1818, option 5. You will never be penalized for calling to verify information, and our team can quickly confirm whether a situation is legitimate.