Scammers posing as local law enforcement are trying to sell fake merchandise

Scammers posing as local law enforcement are trying to sell fake merchandise

Scammers are sending a text message from what appears to be a normal, 10-digit phone number and claims to provide a link to purchase a shirt from your local sheriff’s office for $10 off.The sale sounds like a steal… for your personal and financial information. “Scammers know that nowadays, we are more and more comfortable with making buying decisions and completing transactions using our mobile device, using a device, an electronic,” Holly Salmons with the Better Business Bureau said.Officials with the Better Business Bureau say the scam has been reported to them.WESH 2 has seen it first hand in Osceola, Seminole and Flagler counties.“These scammers are betting on that, they’re trading on the reputation and the community’s fondness for law enforcement… and so law enforcement is not going to contact you in this way,” Salmons said.The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office posted this on social media, warning its residents the text is not from them.The Osceola County Sheriff confirmed they didn’t send it either and say they’re working on finding the source, which the BBB says may not even be domestic.We spoke to an officer with the Kissimmee Police Department who says it’s a shame their reputation is being taken advantage of. “And it’s not just that, they’re trying to fraud, defraud, steal from our citizens using our good name … we do not advocate, we do not have any groups other than one and we’ll only give that to you if they call and that’s a calendar and that’s over mail,” Daniel Schard, with the Kissimmee Police Department said.The Better Business Bureau says if you get the message, report it.The more information they have, the better. If you do click the link and provide any financial information, make sure your credit and debit cards are secured.You’re also advised to change your passwords and look out for any malware.

Scammers are sending a text message from what appears to be a normal, 10-digit phone number and claims to provide a link to purchase a shirt from your local sheriff’s office for $10 off.

The sale sounds like a steal… for your personal and financial information.

“Scammers know that nowadays, we are more and more comfortable with making buying decisions and completing transactions using our mobile device, using a device, an electronic,” Holly Salmons with the Better Business Bureau said.

Officials with the Better Business Bureau say the scam has been reported to them.

WESH 2 has seen it first hand in Osceola, Seminole and Flagler counties.

“These scammers are betting on that, they’re trading on the reputation and the community’s fondness for law enforcement… and so law enforcement is not going to contact you in this way,” Salmons said.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office posted this on social media, warning its residents the text is not from them.

The Osceola County Sheriff confirmed they didn’t send it either and say they’re working on finding the source, which the BBB says may not even be domestic.

We spoke to an officer with the Kissimmee Police Department who says it’s a shame their reputation is being taken advantage of.

“And it’s not just that, they’re trying to fraud, defraud, steal from our citizens using our good name … we do not advocate, we do not have any groups other than one and we’ll only give that to you if they call and that’s a calendar and that’s over mail,” Daniel Schard, with the Kissimmee Police Department said.

The Better Business Bureau says if you get the message, report it.

The more information they have, the better.

If you do click the link and provide any financial information, make sure your credit and debit cards are secured.

You’re also advised to change your passwords and look out for any malware.

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