The Plantation Police Department in Broward County has issued an urgent warning about an ongoing phone scam. Criminals are impersonating their officers, targeting residents in South Florida to extort money.
These scammers are employing a tactic known as "spoofing," which allows them to fake the department's official number, making it appear on caller ID as if the call is coming from the actual police line.
The deception goes beyond the phone number; the fraudsters also use the names of actual officers to lend credibility to their threats, as confirmed by the authorities.
Their strategy involves threatening victims with arrest unless they immediately transfer money.
In an official statement, the department emphasized, "The Plantation Police Department will NEVER call you to demand payment or request money transfers to avoid an arrest."
Authorities clarified that they do not accept payments "via bank transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies," and that "legitimate law enforcement matters are handled in person or through official judicial processes, never over the phone with demands for payment."
Steps to Take if You Receive a Suspicious Call
The Plantation Police recommend hanging up immediately, not sharing any personal or financial information, avoiding sending money under any circumstances, and verifying the call by contacting the department directly at (954) 797-2100.
Meanwhile, the FBI advises being wary of unsolicited calls, text messages, or emails, and keeping records of any suspected scam communications.
They also suggest reporting these incidents to 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
The department urged residents, "Help spread the word by sharing this information and protecting others in our community."
Recent Scams Highlighted
This alert comes just days after the FBI in Miami issued a similar warning on Thursday about impostors posing as federal agents to extract money and personal information from local residents.
In certain instances, scammers impersonating federal agents also pretend to be bank employees cooperating with the FBI to obtain victims' financial details.
The most vulnerable communities include the elderly and Hispanic migrants, particularly Cubans, whom the scammers intimidate by exploiting fears of deportation or arrest under the Trump administration.
In Florida, there have been 1,579 reported cases of individuals impersonating federal agents, with estimated losses exceeding $12 million, according to ICE data. Nationwide, the Federal Trade Commission reported losses of $789 million from such scams in 2024.
Many of these fraudsters operate from outside the United States, using technology to spoof official agency numbers, complicating efforts to track them down.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phone Scams in Florida
What should I do if I receive a call demanding money from a supposed police officer?
Hang up immediately, do not provide any personal or financial information, and verify the call by contacting the relevant police department directly.
How can I report a scam call?
Report scam calls to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or by visiting the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
Who are the most common targets of these scams?
The elderly and Hispanic migrants, especially Cubans, are often targeted due to their perceived vulnerability and fear of legal repercussions.