Caller claims to be Lake County deputy in phone scam

Caller tells victims they're under arrest unless they give up money

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies in Lake County are warning homeowners about a scam where a caller is posing as a deputy. The caller tells his victims they are under arrest unless they give up money.

George and Lucille Sullivan were hit by the scam Monday afternoon.

"It was scary. I didn't sleep well last night, neither did my wife," George Sullivan told Local 6. "He sounded very professional sounded like it could have been a police officer."

The person on the other end of the phone said Sullivan had a warrant out for his arrest. But Sullivan wasn't fooled, as he contacted the Lake County Sheriff's Office to report what happened.

Deputies said Sullivan is just one of three victims so far that's been targeted for money and threatened with being arrested unless they pay up.

One victim told Local 6 she was told to go out and buy a green dot card and put $495 on it after claiming she had a warrant out for her arrest after failing to appear for jury duty.

Local 6 called the numbers used to make the calls, but they no longer worked.

Sullivan has a strong message for the impostor who tried to scare him into paying up.

"Get a life and stop picking on poor helpless people," said Sullivan.

Deputies warn if you become a target, to hang up the phone and notify law enforcement. If you know anything about who is making these calls, you're asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.


Recommended Videos