04/19/2026
SCAM Alert posted by St Lucie County Sheriffs Office…be aware!
SCAM ALERT: THIS IS THE IRS. YOU OWE MONEY
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has an important message for you:
If you get a call, text, or email claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security, or your bank demanding immediate payment or personal information, it’s a scam! 🚩
Criminals are becoming more sophisticated. They can spoof phone numbers to make it look like the call is coming from a trusted agency or even your own bank.
They often try to create panic with messages like:
• “You owe back taxes and will be arrested.”
• “Your Social Security number has been compromised.”
• “Your bank account is at risk. Verify your information now.”
Then they demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Know that banks will never ask for sensitive personal or financial information over the phone, and government agencies will never call and threaten immediate arrest.
Any request that involves urgent, untraceable payment or pressure to act immediately is a clear red flag. 🚩
Protect yourself:
• Hang up and contact the agency or bank using an official number
• Never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers
• Don’t trust caller ID alone; it can be faked
• Take a moment before acting, scammers rely on panic and urgency
Your best defense is slowing down and verifying before you act.
And remember, if it feels urgent and threatening, that is exactly what the scammer wants.
Share this message and help protect others from becoming victims.
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