The Bay County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an increase in sophisticated warrant scam calls.
Callers impersonate members of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and often possess personal information about their intended victims, including their name, place of employment, and family details. To make the call appear legitimate, scammers use technology known as “caller ID spoofing,” which can cause the victim’s phone to display the Bay County Sheriff’s Office’s actual phone number.
The scammer typically tells the victim they failed to report for jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. They then claim the warrant can be resolved immediately if the victim sends money through a Bitcoin ATM, purchases gift cards, or uses another form of electronic payment.
This is a scam.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office will never call an individual and demand payment to avoid arrest, clear a warrant, or resolve a criminal matter. Deputies and Sheriff’s Office personnel do not accept payment through Bitcoin ATMs, gift cards, wire transfers, or any similar methods.
Residents who receive one of these calls should:
- Hang up immediately.
- Do not provide personal or financial information.
- Do not send money in any form.
- Contact the Bay County Sheriff’s Office directly at 850-747-4700 and ask to speak with the Warrants Division if they have questions about the legitimacy of the call or believe they may have an active warrant.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to discuss these scams with family members, friends, and neighbors. Especially older adults who are frequently targeted by fraudsters. Public awareness remains one of the most effective ways to prevent additional victims.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this scam or has suffered a financial loss should report the incident to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible.
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