Familiar scam reported again

An 89-year-old Upper Keys man is out $7,500 after a thief used a popular scam to separate him from his money.

The victim reported the incident to the Sheriff’s Office this month. The victim said a man named “Jason Moore” told him he was bail bondsman. Moore told the victim that one of the victim’s family members had been arrested in Cleveland, Ohio and the victim needed to send money to pay the bail.

Moore directed the victim to retrieve $7,500 in cash, and to place $3,800 in one envelope and $3,700 in another.  He then instructed the victim to place both envelopes in a manila folder and overnight it to 181 E. 93^rd St. Apt. #1B, New York, New York using UPS®. The victim did so.

The victim called Moore the next day to verify the delivery and Moore stated a problem occurred and he needed another $30,000. The victim stated he did not have the money and Moore began to lower the amount needed. It was at this time the victim realized the call was a scam.

Scammers often claim to be people of authority or law enforcement — they often impersonate Sheriff Rick Ramsay — and falsely claim they need information from residents to squash an arrest warrant or quell some criminal matter, all of which are lies. They often use real Sheriff’s Office phone numbers in their deceit.

To all residents: If you receive a phone call/text/email from someone purporting to be law enforcement or some other legal professional claiming one of your family members has been arrested, hang up immediately and call that person to verify the claim. Odds are you are being scammed.

Be particularly weary if the caller asks for gift card information. This is a sure sign you are being scammed.

Residents should never give personal, monetary or gift card information over the phone — TO ANYONE REGARDLESS OF WHO THEY CLAIM TO BE!

Government agencies do not operate in this manner.

Anyone with information about any crimes should contact the Sheriff's Office at 305-292-7000. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-471-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and if a tip leads to an arrest in the case, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips may also be submitted online at www.floridakeyscrimestoppers.com or via a text message using the smartphone app called P3 Phone. Tips can also be submitted via social media such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the @CrimeStoppers305 hashtag.