Scammer claims you, his intended victim, missed jury duty, there has been a warrant issued for you, and to avoid an embarrassing arrest you must pay, usually with bitcoin deposits or by purchasing gift cards. In this scam, scammers may use the name of an actual employee at the BCSO and spoof the phone number, making it appear they are actually calling from the BCSO. They are not. THIS IS A SCAM.

Scammers may be unscrupulous, but they are not stupid. They are con artists, and they practice all day, every day. In this scam, the scammer will take time to study arrest and release information online, learning if you have been arrested and posted bond to be let out of jail until your court date. Then, they will call you, pretending to be your bail bondsman, informing you that you owe more money to them for being able to post bail. They demand this money immediately or you will be apprehended and taken back to jail. And, as usual, you will be asked to pay with bitcoin or gift cards. IT’S A SCAM.

The scammer has stalked you on social media and has learned the names of your loved ones. They then call you and pretend to be your loved one, telling you they are in trouble and need you to send money fast. DO NOT send a loved one money without calling that loved one yourself and verifying they are indeed in trouble. IT’S A SCAM.

Scammer informs their victim that they neglected to pay their bill, and now must pay by using bitcoin or gift cards. Or they will cut off the victim’s power or water unless paid immediately. THIS IS A SCAM.

The scammer informs their intended victim they won a big prize. Then the scammer demands the victim must first pay fees or taxes with bitcoin or gift cards to collect their winnings. THINK did you even enter the lottery or contest? Do not pay fees or taxes by any means to collect winnings. THIS IS A SCAM.