The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office warned residents about a growing wave of scams, saying criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and costing victims millions of dollars each year.
During a July 14 press conference, Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott, accompanied by deputies and a representative from Elder Options, a state-designated area agency that provides services for North Central Florida older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers, urged residents to remain vigilant against fraud schemes that target people of all ages.
“These criminals are constantly evolving their tactics using technology and exploiting fear, trust, urgency and even love to manipulate their victims,” Scott said. “While we often think of seniors as the primary targets, the truth is anyone can be a victim.”
Scott said many scam victims feel embarrassed or ashamed after being deceived and often choose not to report the crime.
“I want to be very clear. Please report it,” Scott said. “There is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. We see firsthand just how convincing and realistic these scams have become.”
According to ACSO, fraud and scam-related losses now exceed the combined losses reported from thefts, robberies, criminal mischief and vehicle burglaries.
Sheriff’s Office data shows that residents age 60 and older account for 51% of fraud victims in 2026.
As of July 13, ACSO projects more than $8.68 million in reported fraud and scam losses countywide in 2026. Through June, more than $4.34 million had already been reported lost, including more than $1.1 million from scam victims age 60 and older.
In 2025, ACSO recorded more than $6.837 million in reported fraud and scam losses overall, with $1.642 million lost by victims age 60 and older through scams.
In 2024, the agency reported more than $6.32 million in fraud and scam losses overall, including more than $547,000 lost by victims age 60 and older.
The statistics do not include reports handled by other local law enforcement agencies.
Detective Travis Parsons of the agency’s Digital Crimes Unit and Property Crimes Unit said scammers frequently pose as loved ones, bank employees or law enforcement officers. He said they often create a sense of urgency, attempt to isolate victims from family and friends, and threaten negative consequences unless money is sent immediately.
Criminal Investigations Division Capt. Steve Maynard said some of the most common scams involve claims that a victim has an outstanding warrant for missing jury duty, online romantic interest and “get rich quick” schemes.
Scott made a point that the Sheriff’s Office will not alert the public if they have a warrant, they will just show up to one’s residence.
Maynard noted that scammers often obtain personal information from public sources or data available for purchase online, making their stories appear more credible.
Leslie Andrews, Elder Abuse Project coordinator for Elder Options, said scammers frequently use social media to gather information about potential victims, including family members, friends and personal details.
She encouraged residents to limit the amount of personal information they share online, including posting phone numbers.
Crime Prevention Deputy Cary Gallop described a recent case involving a woman in Columbia County near High Springs who received a call claiming she had an outstanding warrant or summons. The caller appeared to be calling from the Sheriff’s Office because the phone number displayed was ACSO’s actual number.
Gallop said scammers can “spoof” phone numbers to make calls appear legitimate.
“You don’t want to hit redial and call back that number because even though it looks like our number, it will route back to the number of the scammer,” Gallop said. “Make sure you hang up the phone, don’t hit redial, look up the number and dial it yourself to make sure you have the right number.”
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office main phone number is 352-367-4000.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: ACSO Sheriff Scott sounds alarm on growing scam threat across county
Reporting by Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
