Beware Of Telephone Scam

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a telephone scam in which the caller identifies himself as a member of the CCSO Fugitive Warrants Bureau. The caller informs the victim that he has missed jury duty and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The caller then tells the victim that he can pay $500 to avoid being arrested.

Members of the Warrants Bureau do on occasion contact members of the public who have outstanding arrest warrants.  This is done in cases in which individuals have a released-on-your-own-recognizance (ROR) bond or are wanted for a minor and non-violent offense.  There is never an instance in which a member of the CCSO Fugitive Warrants Bureau asks for money.

Anyone who encounters a suspicious e-mail, phone call, text or other form of communication can call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Call Before You “Pay” hotline at 239.252.CALL (2255). The hotline is staffed by a CCSO deputy in the Financial Crimes Bureau between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Based on the information provided, the deputy will advise whether the communication sounds like a scam and provide tips to help the caller make a wise decision before moving forward.