The Broward Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about an emerging scam involving individuals impersonating law enforcement personnel. The suspects are contacting family members of people recently arrested and are posing as deputies, sergeants or pretrial specialists. BSO is warning people that these calls are fraudulent, high-pressure and designed to exploit people during stressful moments.

These scammers use the urgency of the situation to pressure the victim, often vulnerable members of the community, into believing they must immediately send money electronically, claiming it is to pay for the bail/bond, ankle monitor or diversion programs.

BSO will never request money over the phone, through Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, gift cards or any other electric transfer service for bail, pretrial programs or the release of an individual from custody. 

If someone demands immediate payment it’s a scam. Here are some important tips to follow:

• Hang up immediately. Do not provide personal information or continue the conversation.
• Do NOT send money via Zelle, Cash App, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, ATM’s or any electronic payment platform.
• Verify the arrest of your family member through official channels and call the agency directly. Contact BSO’s Main Jail at 954-831-5900 or look up custody status on www.sheriff.org.
• Report the scam attempt. Notify BSO and file a report so detectives can document the incident.
• Warn family members and caregivers. Scammers often target elderly or vulnerable relatives.

If you live in a BSO jurisdiction and believe you are a victim of a similar scam, call BSO’s non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357).