We are warning residents about a returning scam in which callers are once again impersonating OCSO deputies and demanding money to avoid arrest.
In a recent report, the caller claimed to be an OCSO lieutenant and provided a fake badge number. The victim was told she had outstanding warrants and needed to go to the nearest bank to withdraw $9,000 in cash and pay it to avoid being arrested.
The caller also used law-enforcement terminology and references to make the scam sound legitimate.
Don’t fall for it! The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will never demand payment over the phone to clear a warrant, avoid arrest, or resolve a criminal matter. We will never instruct you to withdraw cash or provide money to a caller.
If you receive a call like this:
• Do not send or withdraw money.
• Do not provide personal or financial information.
• Hang up and independently contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office using an official phone number.
• Report suspected scams to law enforcement.
Scammers can sound convincing and may have personal information about you. Don’t let a badge number, threats of arrest, or law-enforcement terminology pressure you into making a decision.
When in doubt, hang up and verify.
