Scammers Use Spoofed Numbers, Urgent Scenarios to Prey on Residents; Officials Urge Caution and Verification

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department (TPD) is issuing a stern warning to residents about a recent surge in sophisticated phone scams. Suspects are impersonating law enforcement and other official agencies, using increasingly believable tactics to pressure victims into giving up money and sensitive personal information.

According to Chief Lee Bercaw, these scams have become “more personal, more targeted, and more believable.” Scammers are now using a variety of tactics, including spoofing official phone numbers, invoking real agency names, and creating emotionally charged scenarios to coerce their victims.

Common scams recently reported in the Tampa area include:

Emergency

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