NewsFOX 13 Tampa BaySeptember 1, 2026Hillsborough County
Pinellas County resident warns of sophisticated phone scam involving fake arrest warrants
Photo: FOX 13 Tampa Bay
A Pinellas County resident was targeted by a phone scammer posing as a sheriff's official who demanded a $300,000 wire transfer to resolve a fake arrest warrant. The scammer used a fraudulent warrant document and a fake gag order to pressure the victim before a Largo police officer intervened.
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa BayWhy It Matters
Residents are being targeted by scammers using official-sounding names and fake legal documents to coerce them into transferring large sums of money.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationLargo Police Department“The department whose officer intervened in the scam”OrganizationPinellas County Sheriff's Office“The agency the scammer impersonated”PersonChief Hobbs“Name used by the scammer to impersonate a sheriff's official”PersonBen Wagner“Pinellas County resident who reported the scam attempt”