Beware of Fraudulent Calls Demanding Money and Threatening Arrests

A disturbing scam is currently circulating within our community, with criminals posing as law enforcement officers and extorting money from unsuspecting residents. This cautionary message aims to raise awareness about this fraudulent activity and help protect individuals from falling victim to these deceitful tactics.

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Earlier today, multiple reports were filed with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office regarding suspicious phone calls received by local residents. The scammer, who identified himself as “Lieutenant Lewis,” left voicemails urging recipients to call him back urgently. The contact number used by the fraudster is 321-234-5617.

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Resident Krissy Lindbaek, recounted her encounter with the scammer. “I called him back several times and left him a message bc I was concerned that a family member may have been involved in an accident or worse,” she told us. After calling back, she was informed that she had missed jury duty and a warrant was issued for her arrest. The impostor then instructed her to purchase a Moneypak and deliver it to the sheriff’s office to settle the alleged warrant. Krissy was coerced into staying on the line to maintain contact in case they encountered law enforcement on her way to make the payment, so he could talk them out of arresting her. Unfortunately, the scammer succeeded in extracting $494 from her.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that similar calls have been reported by several individuals in recent days. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of the situation and is actively investigating these fraudulent activities. They advise anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up immediately and report the incident to local authorities.

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It is crucial to remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand payment over the phone or ask for personal financial information. If you receive a call of this nature, it is vital to exercise caution and take the following steps to protect yourself:

1. Hang up: If you receive a call demanding money or threatening arrest, end the conversation immediately. Do not engage with the caller or provide any personal or financial information.
2. Verify with authorities: Contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office or the local law enforcement agency to confirm the legitimacy of the call. Use publicly available contact information, such as the official phone number listed on their website, to reach out and report the incident.
3. Spread awareness: Inform friends, family, and neighbors about this scam to prevent others from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. Sharing information can help create a more vigilant and resilient community.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is actively working to identify and apprehend those responsible for these scams. They urge all residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or attempted fraud to assist in their investigation.

Remember, it is essential to stay informed and educated about the latest scams in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim to fraud. By staying alert and spreading awareness, we can work together to thwart these criminal endeavors and keep our community safe.

If you believe you have been targeted by this or any other scam, please report it to your local law enforcement agency immediately.

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