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The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is warning about a surge in phone scams.
On Facebook, the agency writes about what is being called an "alarming rise in phone scams" and how to protect yourself from falling victim.
In a video, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw shares examples of schemes that are being pulled off in our community and tips to avoid losing your money to these crooks.
He says you should verify the identity of the caller before sharing any personal information and if in doubt, hang up and contact the official organization using a trusted contact method.
Tips from Sheriff Bradshaw:
1**Verify Before You Trust:** Always verify the identity of the caller before sharing personal or financial information. If in doubt, hang up and contact the official organization using a trusted contact method.
2 **Government Agencies Don't Ask for Payment:** Legitimate government agencies will never ask for payment or personal information over the phone. Be cautious if you receive such requests.
3 **Protect Your Personal Info:** Never share sensitive data like Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords with anyone over the phone. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust.
4 **Stay Informed:** Keep up-to-date with the latest scam trends by following official sources like the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies.
5 **Spread the Word:** Share this video and post with your friends and family to help create awareness about phone scams. Together, we can prevent others from falling victim to these scams.