Scam debt collector callers use JSO number

Police say caller threatens arrest if 'debtor' does not pay supposed debt

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said it has identified a crime pattern in which a supposed debt collector calls and the caller ID shows the JSO non-emergency number, 904-630-0500.

Police said the caller threatens arrest if the "debtor" does not pay a supposed debt. In these cases, the victim does not actually have any debt but is led to believe that they were unaware of the debt in question, police said.

The Sheriff's Office said these types of "phone number spoofing" scams are becoming more prevalent. Residents should not rely on their caller ID to validate the identity of the person they you are speaking with. Also, do not give personal information that has been solicited over the phone.

The Sheriff's Office does not act in the capacity of debt collection and would not perform this function.

If you are contacted, do not provide any personal information and contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office economic crimes unit via the non-emergency phone number.

Anyone who has any information about this crime pattern or the identity of anyone who may be involved is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.