Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford issued a Scam Alert today, January 22, 2024. According to several complaints received, a scammer is calling Bay County residents and claiming to be a deputy with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The scammer even uses the name of an actual officer at the BCSO and sometimes spoofs the real number to the BCSO, making it appear the call originated at the real Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
The intended victim is informed he or she has an active warrant and is going to be arrested. The victim is offered the opportunity to avoid an embarrassing arrest by purchasing gift cards and giving the scammer the code on the cards, enabling them to access the money on the card.
The BCSO will NEVER call a person to inform them they have a warrant unless they pay a fee to avoid arrest. If you receive this call, simply hang up. If you are a victim, please contact the BCSO at (850) 747-4700 to file a report. We will do everything we can to help you.
