The Key West Police Department is warning of a recent phone scam involving people impersonating federal law enforcement agents and claiming to be affiliated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Callers claim they are federal agents investigating fraudulent or financial schemes. They warn that the target’s personal, financial and identity data are at risk. The callers may claim they can “protect” or “shield” the individual from becoming a victim of fraud, but only if the victim provides money or sensitive information.
These calls are scams.
The Key West Police Department said that legitimate law enforcement officers, including federal agents, will never demand payment over the phone in exchange for protecting someone from a crime. Government agencies will also not instruct individuals to transfer money, purchase gift cards, send cryptocurrency or provide banking credentials as a means of “protecting” their finances.
If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer or federal agent:
Do NOT send money or gift cards. Do not provide any personal information.
Do not allow a caller to pressure you into sending money or providing personal information. Scammers frequently use urgency, fear, threats of arrest or claims of official authority to pressure victims into making immediate decisions.
If something doesn’t feel right, hang up and verify the caller’s identity by contacting the agency they claim to represent through an official phone number.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency and report the incident.
In Key West, the police department is at 305-809-1000.
