BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office warned the public on Tuesday to stay vigilant as reports of bank-related phone scams continue to rise across the county.
In recent months, investigators in BSO’s Pompano Beach District said they’ve received more than a dozen complaints from residents who were tricked into handing over thousands of dollars to scammers posing as bank fraud investigators.
In one case, deputies said a victim lost $15,000 in cash. In another, they said a couple was persuaded to give up their debit cards and PINs, leading to more than $9,000 in fraudulent charges.
According to investigators, here’s how the scam typically unfolds:
A caller contacts the victim, claiming to work for the fraud department of the victim’s bank. The scammer warns of suspicious activity in the account and tells the victim that immediate action is needed to protect their money. Victims are then instructed to either withdraw large sums of cash or hand over their debit cards and PIN numbers.
In some cases, authorities said the scammer arranges for an Uber to pick up the money or debit card. Victims are then told to place the envelope containing the cash or card in the backseat and not speak to the driver.
BSO officials emphasized that no legitimate bank will ever request customers to withdraw money and send it via a ride-share service, nor will they ask for debit cards and PINs to be turned over to a third party.
Authorities urge anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately and contact their bank using the phone number listed on official statements or the institution’s website.
Residents are also advised to avoid sharing personal or banking information over the phone with unfamiliar callers.
Anyone in a BSO jurisdiction who believes they may have fallen victim to a similar scam is urged to contact the non-emergency line at 954-764-4357.
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