The Polk County Sheriff's Office recently received reports from citizens regarding telephone scams during which callers represent themselves as PCSO members.

During the call, the scammer will tell the person who answers the phone that they have a warrant for their arrest (one reason - missing jury duty) and that to resolve it they need to obtain a "green dot" money card. The scammer offers to walk the person through the process. The scammer will also leave a call-back number, claiming the number is a PCSO number. If you call the number, you receive a recording with instructions. The scammers are also leaving voicemails, instructing you to call PCSO.

"This is a new twist on an old scam - this time the scam artists are actually leaving call-back numbers, with recordings claiming to be from official Sheriff's Offices. Please alert your family members, especially elderly ones who are more prone to being taken advantage of, that we do not call residents asking for money." - Grady Judd, Sheriff 

PCSO reminds residents that our main number is 863-298-6200, and that law enforcement NEVER solicits money to rectify warrants. Please call our main number to verify the legitimacy of any call you receive from PCSO. Do not send prepaid money cards to strangers.