Beware of false caller identification numbers

Most Historic City News readers who receive a telephone call from a man identifying himself as a St Johns County deputy, especially if your caller identification displays the main number of the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office, will take that call seriously.

This morning, a local victim of a crime known as “spoofing” went into a Sheriff’s Substation after receiving such a call, warning of an impending arrest if the victim didn’t send in money.

During the interview with real law enforcement officers, the victim was able to provide information that may help detectives identify the guilty party.

The unknown imposter reportedly called back to the victim’s cell phone, twice. During one of the calls, one of the detectives got on the phone, at which time the caller hung up.

Prior to the first spoofed call, the victim received a call, also to his cell phone, ostensibly from area code 301; the Greater Washington, D.C., metro area. The caller was pretending to be with the IRS.

St Johns County Sheriff David Shoar has distributed a warning about this criminal scheme. According to the sheriff, law enforcement officers do not call suspects demanding fines. Hang up the telephone and contact the sheriff’s office if you receive such a call.