The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Warns Public of Text Message Scam

It has been brought to our attention that scammers are sending text messages, claiming to sell Escambia County Sheriff’s Office t-shirts. These text messages provide a link to submit a payment. THIS IS A SCAM!

The ECSO will never send text messages asking for a payment for any type of merchandise.

There are multiple variations of this scam currently going around, where scammers are claiming to be local law enforcement agencies. They are constantly devising new and innovative ways to take your hard-earned money.

Here are a few ways you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud:

• Always be suspicious of any text messages or phone calls claiming to be from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and asking for a form of payment.

• Always be suspicious when asked to send an electronic payment, “green dot” card payment, or wire transfer.

• Trust your instinct. If you feel that something “just isn’t right”, do NOT give any personal or banking information to anyone over the phone or online. Contact your local law enforcement agency and report it. It is much easier to prevent fraud than to recover your money after the fact.