Scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers to target families immediately after a loved one is arrested

Broward County, Florida – The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) is issuing a strong warning to the public after a growing number of scams have targeted families of recently arrested individuals. According to officials, criminals are impersonating deputies, sergeants, and pretrial specialists, calling relatives and exploiting their fear and urgency to extract money. These calls, BSO says, are fraudulent, high-pressure, and designed to take advantage of people during highly stressful moments.

“These scams are designed to exploit people during stressful moments,” a BSO spokesperson said. “The suspects are calling family members of people recently arrested and posing as deputies, sergeants, or pretrial specialists.”

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The scheme often works by pressuring family members into believing they must immediately send money to cover bail, pretrial programs, ankle monitors, or diversion services. Scammers rely on the urgency of the situation and the vulnerability of their targets, frequently contacting elderly or otherwise susceptible relatives.

BSO is clear about its stance: the agency will never request money over the phone for any reason related to bail or the release of an individual from custody. This includes electronic payment services such as Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, and ATM transfers. “If someone demands immediate payment it’s a scam,” officials emphasized.

Authorities are urging anyone who receives such a call to remain calm and follow several key safety steps. First, hang up immediately and do not provide any personal information or continue the conversation. Next, verify the arrest or custody status of a loved one through official channels by contacting BSO’s Main Jail at 954-831-5900 or by looking up custody information online at www.sheriff.org.

Additionally, the sheriff’s office encourages residents to report scam attempts to BSO. Filing a report ensures that detectives can document the incident and helps prevent future victims. Officials also recommend warning family members and caregivers about the scam, as scammers often specifically target elderly or vulnerable individuals.

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“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),” the agency advised. Reporting the incident promptly can help authorities track the criminals and warn other potential victims.

These scams highlight the importance of vigilance and verification when dealing with urgent financial requests, particularly when they appear to come from law enforcement. While the fear for a loved one’s safety can make families vulnerable to quick decisions, BSO emphasizes that legitimate officers and pretrial specialists will never pressure someone into sending money electronically.

Law enforcement experts say that scams like these are becoming more sophisticated, using caller ID manipulation and scripted dialogue to appear authentic. Families are encouraged to take a moment to pause, verify, and report before responding to any urgent financial demands.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office continues to remind the public that safeguarding personal information, staying alert to red flags, and confirming the details of an arrest through official sources are the best defenses against these types of fraud. By spreading awareness and reporting attempted scams, residents can protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community from falling victim to these high-pressure schemes.