Warning: Scammers Claiming to be Police Asking for Personal Financial Information

The Lake Wales Police Department wants the community to be aware of a phone scam, where the scammer is claiming to be with the police.

Deputy Chief Troy Schulze said Nov. 30 citizens have reported receiving calls from someone identifying himself as Lt. Griffin Crosby and the caller ID is showing up with the police department's phone number, 1-863-678-4223.

Schulze said the scammer is telling people things like "you have missed a court date, you have a subpoena issue, or you have past due fines. The scammer then asks for personal information or how you can make a payment for the fictitious issue."

"Do not fall for this scam, do not provide personal or payment information over the phone or internet unless you are certain you know who you are talking to," Schulze said.

Like many other scammers, the caller tries to be convincing, sounds official, and uses fear to get people to make a hasty decision, Schulze said.

He said law enforcement will not contact people in the manner these scammers are using.

Anyone who has fallen victim to this scam or has questions related to this scam is asked to call the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223.