Fort Myers Residents Warned of Phone Scam as Callers Impersonate Deputies Demanding Money

The Lee County Sheriff's Office received several reports this week of scammers posing as deputies and demanding money over the phone. These callers used real employee names to trick people. They claimed recipients had missed court dates or owed fines that needed immediate payment to avoid serious penalties.

LCSO issued a warning today after residents throughout the county reported this scheme. The callers pressured victims by threatening them with legal consequences if they refused to comply.

The agency made it clear that they will never call residents asking for money. Officials explained that deputies don't collect fines, fees, or court-related payments over the phone, and they won't ask residents to meet in person to hand over cash.

Scammers use public information to make their calls seem credible. Authorities said the fraudsters might know the recipient's name or pretend to be a deputy someone has heard of before.

LCSO is urging anyone who receives such a call to hang up right away. Don't share personal or financial information, even if the caller seems to know details about you.

The Sheriff's Office wants anyone targeted by this scheme to contact them at 239-477-1000 and file a report.