Gift Card Scams

Gift card scams remain one of the most common forms of fraud because gift card payments are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover once redeemed. Scammers may pose as government agencies, utility companies, retailers, technical support representatives, or even family members in distress and instruct victims to purchase gift cards to resolve an urgent issue. Common claims include unpaid taxes, utility shutoff notices, computer viruses, or emergency situations involving loved ones. Once the victim purchases the cards, the scammer asks for the card numbers and PINs, allowing them to immediately access the funds.

Residents should remember that no legitimate government agency, law enforcement agency, or reputable business will require payment through gift cards. To protect yourself, never use gift cards to pay bills, fees, or fines, and never share gift card numbers or PINs with anyone. If you receive a suspicious request, stop communication immediately and verify the claim directly through official contact information.

For additional fraud prevention information, visit the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office Scam and Fraud Resources.

Phone Scams

Phone scammers frequently impersonate law enforcement officers, government agencies, banks, utility companies, or well-known businesses to create fear and urgency. They may claim that you owe money, have missed jury duty, have suspicious activity on your account, or face arrest if immediate payment is not made. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing technology to make it appear as though they are calling from a legitimate phone number.

Residents should know that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not call individuals demanding payment, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal information. If you receive an unexpected call requesting money or sensitive information, hang up immediately and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number from its official website.

To protect yourself, never provide Social Security numbers, bank account information, passwords, or one-time verification codes over the phone unless you initiated the call.

Learn more about fraud prevention through the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Text Message Scams

Text message scams, also known as “smishing,” have become increasingly sophisticated and often appear to come from trusted organizations. Common scams include messages claiming you have unpaid tolls, an expired driver license, undelivered packages, unpaid parking citations, or suspicious account activity. These messages frequently contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information.

Scammers often create a false sense of urgency by threatening late fees, account suspension, or license revocation if immediate action is not taken. Residents should be aware that government agencies generally do not request payments or sensitive information through unsolicited text messages.

To protect yourself, do not click links or download attachments from unexpected text messages, even if they appear legitimate. Instead, visit the organization’s official website by typing the web address directly into your browser or contacting the organization through verified channels. If a message appears suspicious, delete it and report it as spam.

For information regarding Florida driver licenses and vehicle services, visit: www.flhsmv.gov

Additional scam prevention resources are available through PBSO at: www.pbso.org

If You Believe You Have Been Scammed

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, act quickly. Contact your financial institution immediately if you shared banking information or made a payment. Change passwords for affected accounts and monitor your financial statements for unauthorized activity.

Residents are encouraged to report scams to local law enforcement and appropriate consumer protection agencies. Reporting scams helps authorities identify trends and warn others in the community.

Scams can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at: www.reportfraud.ftc.gov

Additional fraud resources are available through the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office at: 

www.pbso.org

And through the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office at: www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/services/scams