The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an ongoing phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement to steal money from victims.
Recently, Hillsborough County resident, Madeleine Wessel, 24, received a call from an individual claiming to be a HCSO employee, later transferring her to a HCSO deputy. This is a common tactic used to create a false sense of legitimacy.
The suspects kept Wessel on the line and pressured her to act immediately. Following their instructions, she drove to an ATM at a local gas station to withdraw cash.
The business owner recognized the warning signs and intervened.
He reported that he encounters similar situations nearly every week: customers on the phone, visibly distressed, attempting to withdraw large sums of money for someone they have never met, claiming to be law enforcement.
These scams typically follow a similar pattern. Callers may claim the victim has missed jury duty, has an active warrant, or that a family member has been arrested or injured and needs money immediately.
Suspects frequently use spoofed caller ID to make the call appear to come from a law enforcement agency or bank. They insist the victim remain on the phone and demand payment by cash, gift card, or wire transfer, methods that are difficult to trace and rarely recoverable.
"The Sheriff's Office will never call to collect or ask for money," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "If something doesn't feel right, hang up. No one will ever fault you for hanging up on a scammer."
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to follow these tips:
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HCSO will never call demanding payment to avoid arrest and will never request cash, gift cards, or wire transfers.
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If a caller instructs you to stay on the line while you go to a bank or ATM, it is a scam. Hang up immediately.
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Be cautious of calls that “transfer” you between agencies. Scammers use this tactic to appear legitimate.
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Verify any claim by contacting the agency or bank directly using a phone number you obtain independently, not one provided by the caller.
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If a caller claims a family member is in trouble, hang up and contact that family member or another relative directly.
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HCSO would never handle warrants and arrests over the phone.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this or a similar scam is encouraged to report it to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 813-247-8200.
Media outlets are welcome to use the b-roll in this link. Please credit the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim in this case has requested not to be contacted directly; please direct all inquiries to the Public Affairs Office.
