Polk County residents are being warned of a debit card scam in which persons identify themselves as a deputy or other law enforcement officer.
According to investigators, the victim is instructed to purchase either a money order or a “Green Dot Money Pak Card” in payment of a bogus fine. In one case, deputies said, the caller advised the victim a warrant would be issued for their arrest if they did not cooperate.
Investigators also say, the caller may advise the victim they are a supervisor and there is an outstanding “red-light camera” fine, or a missed jury date. The caller then directs the victim to purchase a Money Order, or “Green Dot Money Pak Card” and provides them with a phone number to call back after the purchase.
When the victim has made the purchase and calls the number provided, the suspect instructs the victim to provide the numbers on the back of the card, or money order routing information.
Once the transaction is completed, the thief has the victim’s money, and the phone number has been disconnected leaving detectives little to investigate.
“Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies do not call residents instructing them to purchase any sort of debit card or money order to pay off a warrant, missed court date fee, ticket or fine,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Do not be fooled by anyone using our agency’s name to swindle you.”
