Sheriff Warns Residents of Scam Calls; Police Will Never Demand Money

WARNING

If someone contacts you claiming to be with a federal agency and asks for money—or tries to set up a meeting—it’s a scam, plain and simple. Do not go meet them. Hang up, ignore the message, and report it to us right away.”

Clay Sheriff Patrick Robinson

Clay County Sheriff Patrick Robinson is warning residents to be on high alert after a man was arrested for attempting to scam several people in the area. Authorities say scammers have been posing as federal agents in an effort to trick victims into sending money and even requesting to meet them in person.

Sheriff Robinson stressed that law enforcement and federal agencies will never call demanding money or ask residents to meet privately to exchange payment.  Some of the things being requested by scammers are:

• Bitcoin
• Gift Cards
• Gold

“If someone contacts you claiming to be with a federal agency and asks for money—or tries to set up a meeting—it’s a scam, plain and simple,” Robinson said. “Do not go meet them. Hang up, ignore the message, and report it to us right away.”

Several Clay County residents have already fallen victim, according to the sheriff’s office. Scammers often use threats of arrest or legal trouble to pressure people into acting quickly.

Officials advise:

• Donot send money or provide personal details.
• Donot agree to meet anyone making these claims.
• Hang up or delete suspicious messages.
• Report incidents immediately to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Robinson said the recent arrest highlights how aggressively scammers are targeting the community. “We will continue to investigate and pursue those responsible, but the most effective defense is awareness,” he said. “If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and call us.”