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.”
