Palm Beach County has recently seen an increase in fraudulent callers posing as members of law enforcement in order to scam potential victims out of money. The scammer may tell the person that they missed a court date and need to pay them money or they will be arrested. The Police Department will not call you regarding an arrest warrant, credit card fraud, vehicle liens or ask for money. The Palm Beach Police Department wants residents to be suspicious of any unexpected calls they receive that involves them paying out money or purchasing gift cards.
To prevent falling victim to these scams, always be suspicious of anyone, even friends, who ask for money. Verify their circumstances independently, preferably by direct telephone contact. Never give out personal information over the telephone or email, no matter how legitimate the call may seem. When in doubt, call the police to discuss your concerns.
Residents who believe they have been a victim to this type of scam should call the Palm Beach Police Department for assistance at (561) 838-5454.
Additional information on common scams can be found at the Federal Trade Commission’s Website: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts