CHARLOTTE CO., FL (WWSB) – The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a scam.
On Saturday, the sheriff’s office received three separate calls regarding a kidnapping scam.
The scam being reported involves a text or phone call from the number 813-449-1437. A male states the name of an actual family member and claims they have been kidnapped for “whatever reason.” The voice then shares they have pistol whipped them, hurt them, etc.
A female is then heard screaming in the background or saying the name of the “victim.”
The caller gives a reason for the kidnapping and then provides a location. They ask for the person to bring money and to meet them, or to just meet them and rectify the issue.
In all instances, the “victim” was located and verified that they were OK.
However, in one occasion the caller gave a location very close to where the “victim” actually was. Deputies are unsure how they possibly knew the information.
If you receive a call like this, report it immediately to law enforcement and deputies want to remind people to, “Never meet an unknown caller in person.”
