Scam Type
Other Scam
Business Name Used
Palm beach sheriffs office imposter
Date Reported
Oct 25, 2022
Victim Postal Code
33435
Total Dollars Lost
2500
Scam Description
On Friday, October 21, 2022, I received a phone call and voicemail from an individual who stated they were from Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department (PBSO). After receiving 2 phone calls and a voicemail from this number, this prompted me to be concerned something was wrong with my husband at work. I was caring for my 9 month old baby when I answered this call.
The officer informed me that I had failed to appear at a court appearance that I had signed I would do so. I am * ******** ****** ****** ********** so this was not out of the ordinary that I would need to appear in court as an expert witness for a client. However, I was extremely overwhelmed when they stated that I signed a subpoena that was sent and received on specific dates (****** and *******). I am a new mom, working part-time in my private practice, and teaching 2 online courses, so there was some possibility that this piece of mail might have gotten lost in the shuffle.
I asked the officer his name and looked him up online while on the phone And saw the officer’s picture and name from the PBSO website.
Please know that I was extremely overwhelmed and fearful my career was in jeopardy.You can only imagine the intensity and pressing concerns of this situation.
This individual reported to me I had fines for two citations that were currently active and I would need to proceed with either of 2 options to resolve the situation.
1. Turn myself into the PBSO office which may result in fingerprinting and booking, or
2. Pay the fines to freeze the citations and proceed with an investigation regarding forgery of my signature. Many businesses are using electronic instant transfer. Technology makes these procedures so much easier and instant, which is why I thought that a zelle transfer would be permitted in this situation to take care of the fees immediately and protect me from any legal implications
Because of my intense fear and panic I wanted to confirm that the transfer of funds went through. This now known fraudulent individual informed me that this FDIC approved officer’s name, Lakesha, was on the money transfer. I asked what the acronym stood for and was advised, “Civil Procedure Assurity Bond Placement” – Lakesha CPABP.
