The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to be on high alert after investigating more than 150 fraud-related cases since January 1, 2026. Detectives say scammers are using fear, urgency, and impersonation tactics to trick people into sending money or handing over personal information — and the problem is getting worse.
Sheriff Rick Staly issued a direct warning to the public about one of the most common tactics being used. “Scammers succeed when they create panic and demand immediate action,” Staly said. “Let me be clear: no law enforcement agency will ever call, text, or email you demanding payment to avoid arrest, to ‘clear’ a warrant, or to bond someone out. If someone threatens you with jail unless you pay right now — hang up. It’s a scam.”
Investigators say the most frequently reported schemes include callers pretending to be FCSO deputies — sometimes using real employees’ names — and demanding money to resolve fake warrants or legal paperwork. Residents have also received text messages with subject lines like “FINAL NOTICE — COURT ENFORCEMENT ACTION,” urging them to scan a QR code or click a link to pay a balance or avoid having their driver’s license suspended. Other common tactics involve demanding payment through gift cards, Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps — all of which the sheriff’s office says are clear signs of a scam. Some victims have received official-looking documents with forged government seals or signatures designed to appear legitimate. In another version of the scam, a caller posing as a bank representative tells the victim their account has been compromised, convinces them to withdraw cash, and sends a so-called courier to pick it up under the pretense of protecting the funds.
The sheriff’s office also reminds residents that caller ID can be faked, meaning a call can appear to come from a trusted agency even when it does not. If someone claims to be calling from FCSO, residents are advised to hang up and independently verify by calling the agency’s non-emergency line at 386-313-4911 before taking any action.
Staly pointed to the rapid growth of digital crime in the county as a driving reason for the warning. “Our Cyber Crimes Unit is the fastest growing unit in the Sheriff’s Office,” he said. “Last year over $1 million was reported stolen by our residents by scammers. We need you to be the first line of defense and learn how to protect yourself from being scammed out of your nest egg.”
Anyone who receives a suspicious call, text, or email is urged to stop engaging immediately and not provide any personal information. Residents should not send money, purchase gift cards, or buy cryptocurrency for anyone requesting it. Documenting the encounter — saving screenshots, writing down phone numbers, links, or names used — can help investigators identify patterns and prevent others from becoming victims. Even attempted scams that did not result in financial loss are worth reporting.
Scams and suspicious activity can be reported to the FCSO non-emergency line at 386-313-4911. In an emergency, residents should call 911. Additional reporting resources are available through the Florida Chief Financial Officer’s fraud reporting page at www.myfloridacfo.com/safe/report-fraud-and-scams and through the federal Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
The FCSO also offers free scam-prevention presentations for community groups, homeowner associations, and local organizations. Groups interested in scheduling a presentation can contact the agency at CommunityEngagement@flaglersheriff.com. Residents who have already been impacted by fraud and need guidance on next steps can also contact the sheriff’s office for help connecting with additional resources.
The post Flagler Sheriff Warns of Growing Scam Epidemic After 150-Plus Fraud Cases in Just Four Months first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
