PINELLAS COUNTY – The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to be on alert to recent phone scams occurring in Pinellas County. The suspects are calling residents in Pinellas County and identifying themselves as a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office employee.  

According to deputies, a suspect called a business and identified himself as “Captain Melvin Jackson”. After identifying himself as a fictitious Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office employee, the suspect informed the citizen that they have warrants and needed to pay money via phone or prepaid card.

The suspect called from 408-780-1944 and 727-582-6200. There have been multiple incidents recently where Pinellas County citizens have been targeted using this scam.

PLEASE NOTE: The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call citizens requesting money over the telephone and will never ask for banking information to wire money. We advise citizens to not give personal information or account information over the phone and call the Sheriff’s Office to report suspicious activity. 

If anyone has information on this scam or has become a victim, they are asked to call the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 582-6200.