JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Columbia County Sheriff's Office says it's seen an increase in online scams being reported in 2022.
The department posted a list of scams in its Facebook page, warning the community of tactics commonly used by criminals.
"Please be vigilant and watch for these and other scams so you are not assisting money launderers and criminals in their attempts to get funds," deputies say.
- Facebook scams, to include rentals and puppies - Remember that Facebook can be hacked and duplicated, and you might not always really know who you are talking to.
- Banking scams - Text messages indicating that there is unusual activity on your account. Do not click the link
- Lottery Scams & Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes - You will not get a phone call/message indicating that you have won and need to pay the taxes from real entities.
- Buy foreign currency in exchange for cash or a trust fund - This is money laundering as well as an attempt to obtain your demographics for identity theft.
- Any threat of a warrant or owed loan money requesting you to send a gift card - Law enforcement does not make calls about warrants/payments are not made using gift cards.
- Wire fraud - purchasing vehicles or bikes online and sending wires without ever receiving the item- If the item is not seen in person, do not make a purchase.