The Fort Myers Police Department would like to take this time to remind everyone to be very cautious of phone solicitors who will use the good name of local law enforcement agencies to apply pressure and victimize citizens. A common call consists of the solicitor claiming to be law enforcement and even providing a fictitious name and rank. The solicitor will then threaten prosecution or arrest unless a monetary obligation is met.
Back in July of this year FMPD investigated a complaint where the victim advised she received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Fort Myers Police Detective. The caller posing as a detective was threatening to arrest the victim if she did not pay an undisclosed amount of money. The scam went a step further due to the caller ID showing the main number to FMPD.
“As long as there are phones and phone numbers in this world the seedy individuals who resort to such crimes will,” stated police spokesperson Lieutenant Victor Medico. Police would like all citizens to take the following actions to ensure these crimes stop:
- Be very cautious of phone solicitors in general
- If it sounds too good to be true it is
- The easiest way to avoid a phone scam is to hang up!
- If you are unsure if the call is legitimate ask for a number you can call them back at and investigate on your own
- Phone scammers prey on the elderly. We ask these residents to call a family member or someone they trust before acting on any information
- If the solicitor is claiming to be law enforcement hang up and call that agency to verify the information
In July’s incident the victim was not fooled, hung up and called the non-emergency number to report the suspicious call. FMPD is asking all citizens to do the same.
Lieutenant Victor Medico
Public Information Officer
Fort Myers Police Department
2210 Widman Way
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
(239) 321-7748
vmedico@fmpolice.com