How to spot Pasco’s warrant scam, according to the sheriff’s office
Pasco Sheriff’s Office warned in May that scammers were posing as deputies or other officials, claiming a warrant and asking for payment by gift card, PayPal, Bitcoin or Zelle. PSO says it never asks residents to pay to clear a criminal matter.
What the scam looks like
Pasco Sheriff’s Office said the scheme it described in May starts with an impersonator claiming to be with PSO or another government office, then saying the person has a warrant and must pay a fee. The office said the requested payment methods can include gift cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, Zelle and similar accounts.
Why the call can sound believable
According to PSO, some of the people behind these calls try to make the message sound official by using an old Wesley Chapel office reference and by spoofing a PSO phone number. The office’s warning says residents should not assume a caller is legitimate just because the number or wording seems familiar.
What PSO says to do
PSO says it will never ask anyone to pay to resolve a criminal matter. If a caller pushes for money after mentioning a warrant, the sheriff’s office says residents should report the attempt through its Crime Tips Line or online tip form.
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