SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S MAY 2025 FRAUD ALERT: SEXTORTION AND OUR CHILDREN

It often begins in a friendly manner. Your child/teen meets someone online and the conversation begins. The meeting can occur in a messaging platform, through online video games, a text…virtually anywhere. The child believes that she/he is communicating with a peer, perhaps someone interested in developing a relationship, and begins to develop a bond with…
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SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S MAY 2025 SAFETY & SECURITY TIP: OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET

Many are unaware of the fact that a significant percentage of individuals that are abusing prescription opiates obtain these drugs from their own homes, the homes of family members and/or the homes of friends. In the United States, in 2023, approximately 8.6 million individuals reported misusing prescription opioids. Once again, that statistic only represents “reported”…
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SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S APRIL 2025 FRAUD ALERT: “WRONG NUMBER TEXT SCAMS”

They’re becoming more prevalent and many of us have received them. “I’m running late…be there in 15 minutes.” “They mistakenly left your package on my doorstep.” “I can’t believe she did that to us!” “Is this Robert?” The texts come from unfamiliar numbers. Out of confusion and/or kindness, many recipients respond to these messages. By…
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SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S APRIL 2025 SAFETY & SECURITY TIP: THE VALUE OF LIGHTING

The list of proactive security measures that can be taken to protect your home and/or business is lengthy. Some are more effective than others. Surprisingly, few of these measures are more effective than efficient lighting. Bright lights deter criminal activity. Thieves, burglars and vandals search for low-risk targets…locations at which their movements and methods are…
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SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S MARCH 2025 FRAUD ALERT: NEVER-ENDING TOLL SCAMS

They seemingly arrive daily. “You have unpaid tolls.” Many of us are now aware of this fraudulent message, but have questions regarding the content. We presented some questions to Joshua Hanchey, Senior Technology Specialist at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Question: “Is merely visiting the listed web site damaging in any way?” Answer: “If you…
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