Seniors Vs Crime

05/18/2026

For Quick and Easy Tips to spot scams, check out

Yes, you are seeing more scams these days.

05/06/2026

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to remain vigilant as criminals continue to target individuals and families across Flagler County with scams and fraud schemes.

Since January 1, FCSO deputies and detectives have investigated at least 150 fraud-related cases, many involving scammers who use fear, urgency, and impersonation tactics to pressure victims into sending money or personal information.

“Scammers succeed when they create panic and demand immediate action,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Let me be clear: no law enforcement Agency will ever call, text, or email you demanding payment to avoid arrest, to ‘clear’ a warrant, or to bond someone out. If someone threatens you with jail unless you pay right now — hang up. It’s a scam.”

Common scams we are seeing
FCSO has received reports of scams that include, but are not limited to:

- Law enforcement impersonation: Scammers claim to be an FCSO employee or “deputy so and so,” sometimes using real names, and demand payment to avoid arrest, resolve “paperwork,” or resolve a fictitious warrant.
- Court-related text scams: Messages such as “FINAL NOTICE — COURT ENFORCEMENT ACTION” or similar threats that pressure recipients to scan a QR code or click a link to pay a “balance” or avoid license suspension.
- Payment-by-gift-card/cryptocurrency scams: Any demand to pay using gift cards, Bitcoin/cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps is a scam.
- Fake documents and seals: Scammers may send official-looking paperwork with forged seals or signatures to appear legitimate.
- Scammers impersonating a bank representative and convincing you your account is compromised and you must withdraw cash and a currier will come by and pick up the cash to protect it and open a new account.

Remember these key facts
- Caller ID can be spoofed. A call may look like it’s coming from a trusted agency when it is not.
- Law enforcement does not ask for money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to prevent arrest.
- Do not click links or scan QR codes sent by unknown sources or those requesting urgent action.
- If a caller claims to be from FCSO, verify by calling the non-emergency number at 386-313-4911.

What to do if you receive a suspicious call, text, or email:
- Stop engaging immediately. Do not provide personal information.
- Do not send money or purchase gift cards/cryptocurrency.
- Document what you can (phone number used, screenshots, names used, any links sent).
- Report it. Even attempted scams help investigators identify patterns and prevent future victims.

Residents are encouraged to report scams or suspicious activity to FCSO by calling the non-emergency number 386-313-4911. If an emergency exists or someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

For additional information or to report fraud, you can also visit the Florida Chief Financial Officer’s fraud reporting resource at https://www.myfloridacfo.com/safe/report-fraud-and-scams. You may also visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center website at https://www.ic3.gov.

FCSO continues to provide scam-prevention presentations to community groups, HOAs, and local organizations. Groups interested in hosting a presentation may contact [email protected].

If you or a loved one has been impacted by fraud and needs support navigating next steps, FCSO can help connect victims with additional resources.

“Our Cyber Crimes Unit is the fastest growing unit in the Sheriff’s Office,” added Sheriff Staly. “Last year over $1m dollars was reported stolen by our residents by scammers. We need you to be the first line of defense and learn how to protect yourself from being scammed out of your nest egg.”

04/28/2026

SCAMS AND FRAUD PREVENTION presentation at the Eagles Aerie in Bunnell, tonight 4/28/26 at 6:30 PM. Please join us to help safeguard your finances.

04/27/2026

04/24/2026

🛑 SCAM ALERT 🛑

"Yes, this is Sergeant Jacob West, Flagler County Sheriff's Office, trying to reach [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE]. Nobody's hurt, nobody's injured. Uh, I just got some paperwork here that I need to discuss with you. Uh, and it's time sensitive. So if you would give me a call back..."

❌ Wasn't actually Sergeant West
❌ Wasn't actually from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office
❌ Wasn't actually time sensitive

A Palm Coast resident received this voicemail, recognized it as a scam impersonating law enforcement, and reported it to us. Detectives called the number. It went to a voicemail claiming to be the FCSO Civil Processing Unit.

A friendly reminder from Sheriff Rick Staly and the Flagler County Sheriff's Office that law enforcement will never call you out of the blue and ask for money, to complete paperwork, or anything of the sort. If you have a hint that a call may be suspicious, report it!

04/22/2026

You might be interested in making money through investments. Who isn’t? So offers that promise big returns might draw your attention…and scammers know this. They use those promises and clever schemes to lure you in and, unfortunately, people are losing big money on investment scams. In fact, FTC...

04/18/2026

Seniors helping seniors. 🤝

The Seniors Vs Crime Project is a special project of the Florida Attorney General's Office through partnership with law enforcement, including the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. Senior volunteers help prevent crime and fraud, assist consumers in resolving civil disputes, and participate in community outreach events.

The volunteers in the Seniors vs. Crime Flagler Project Office are award-winning, having received the "Under the Radar Organization of the Year" from Flagler News Weekly in 2024!

03/26/2026

While vacationing in Puerto Rico, Mark Dyberg, a volunteer at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office with Seniors Vs Crime, heroically saved a woman from drowning.

On March 18, Dyberg was vacationing with his wife in the Condado Beach area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. That evening, while reading at the hotel pool, he heard cries for help coming from a jetty in the ocean and learned that three people were in distress in the water: two women and one man who had jumped in to attempt to rescue them. Dyberg alerted a hotel employee to call authorities, then grabbed water rescue equipment from the pool and went to render aid.

Before Dyberg arrived at the jetty, one of the women had already been pulled to shore. One of the individuals still in the water, the man, was no longer calling out for help, while the other woman could barely be heard. Dyberg headed into the water with two lifebuoys in the direction of the voice he could still hear. He swam 150 yards through swells of up to 6 feet and, despite the darkness, located the woman. He then brought her near the shore until they were close enough to be pulled from the water by authorities with the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau.

Sadly, the other man who had attempted to rescue the women was swept away by a wave and currents. After a multi-agency search, he was found deceased the next day, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

“This rescue is a testament to Mark’s selflessness, courage, and resourcefulness. Even further, his decision to run toward danger demonstrates the character of everyone we have working and volunteering at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, as they are all willing to help our citizens and anyone in need,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our thoughts are with the family of the other man who tried to help and lost his life during this tragic situation.”

The Seniors vs. Crime Project is a partnership with the Florida Attorney General and law enforcement, with the goal to reduce the victimization of senior citizens who are targeted because of their age. Seniors vs. Crime partners closely work with law enforcement throughout the state, as most project offices are co-located in sheriff’s office or police department facilities. The Seniors vs. Crime Flagler County Project Office is located at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Operations Center in Bunnell.

Dyberg has volunteered with Seniors vs. Crime in the Flagler County Project Office since October 2023.

03/19/2026

While vacationing in Puerto Rico, our teammate, Mark Dyberg, heroically saved a young woman from drowning.

Mark responded to a crisis at a local jetty, swimming 150 yards out into heavy 5-6 foot swells with life rings to reach a young lady who had been carried out by the current. Thanks to his bravery and quick response, he was able to bring her back to safety.

It's a somber reminder of how quickly things can change, but also a testament to Mark's incredible character. We are so glad you're safe, Mark, and we're honored to work along side of you!

Coast Guard air and surface assets continue the search for a missing person in the water off the Condado Beach area in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday.Missing is Samuel Cruz, 23, reportedly visiting

01/12/2026

TAKE CARE WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE!! Assess the address bar/URL, make sure it has "https" to start; Check out website (valid number and address); Check into company reviews and website before purchase; If the price is dirt cheap it is likely a scam; Resist impulse buy, DO NOT act on a whim; If asked to pay by a prepaid gift card, Zelle, Venmo, or PP, it might be a scam. Never use DEBIT CARD for online purchases!