A sophisticated impersonation scam nearly cost a Florida man $300,000 after fraudsters allegedly posed as police officers and claimed he had an arrest warrant for missing jury duty.
Ben Wagner was at work when he received a call from someone identifying himself as “Chief Hobbs” of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The caller claimed Wagner had a warrant and later emailed a fake document containing his correct name, alleged charges and the sheriff’s name.
Fake warrant makes scam look real
Wagner said the information appeared convincing enough that he searched the names online while attempting to verify the caller’s claims.
The fraudsters then reportedly gave him step-by-step instructions and told him to drive towards the sheriff’s office on Ulmerton Road. They allegedly placed him under a fake gag order and warned him against telling anyone about the situation.
The scammers eventually instructed Wagner to transfer $300,000 into his checking account and wire the money.
However, his wife was tracking his location through Find My iPhone and became concerned. She told Wagner she would contact police and subsequently warned him that the call was a scam.
A Largo police officer later approached Wagner and attempted to speak directly with the caller. The scammer reportedly ended the call immediately.
Police warn against payment demands
Authorities have urged residents to independently verify any claim involving an arrest warrant or police demand for money.
People receiving suspicious calls should ask for an officer’s badge number and independently call the police department using its official dispatch number. Requests for payment through wire transfers, Zelle, gift cards or cryptocurrency should be treated as major warning signs.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has stressed that it does not call, text or email residents demanding money or banking information.
Officials advised anyone receiving such a call to hang up and contact police through a verified number rather than following instructions from the caller.