SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S JANUARY 2024 FRAUD ALERT: LOVE IS JUST A CLICK AWAY…
Shortly following the start of the new year, holiday scammers tuck away their fraudulent Christmas emails, to be used again next year, and begin preparing their romance scam materials. Romance scams have become more popular and more deceptive and, as developing an online relationship takes a bit of time, the Valentine’s Day scammers are already […]
SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S DECEMBER 2023 FRAUD ALERT: ‘TIS THE TIME TO GIVE…
The holiday season brings out the very best in many of us and it is a time of year that people are in a giving spirit. The holiday season is a time for appreciation and to think of others who are less fortunate or are in need of assistance. Coincidentally, at this time of year, […]
SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S NOVEMBER 2023 FRAUD ALERT: VA AID AND ATTENDANCE/HOUSEBOUND BENEFITS SCAMS
As we prepare to honor our United States military veterans on Veterans Day, I find it inconceivable that there are individuals who would target those who have served our nation. The Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance and/or Housebound benefits provide much-needed financial assistance to qualified veterans and their survivors. Many of these veterans are bedridden, […]
SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S OCTOBER 2023 FRAUD ALERT: UNSOLICITED ENCOUNTERS
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, in an effort to protect the residents of our county, will always share information regarding newly created scams and trending fraudulent practices. Despite these efforts, the volume and variety of these scams makes it nearly impossible to catalogue and to combat. What is feasible is to make our residents aware […]
SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S SEPTEMBER 2023 FRAUD ALERT: CONCERT TICKET SCAMS
The days of purchasing tickets at the box office and/or waiting for concert tickets to arrive in the mail are behind us…replaced by digital versions of the once-paper tickets. As is the case with many technological advances, digital concert tickets are easy to use, easy to transfer and never left home on the kitchen countertop. […]
SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S AUGUST 2023 FRAUD ALERT: DISASTER RELIEF SCAMS
The video and still photographs depicting loss of life and property, from natural disasters around the globe, are devastating and heartbreaking…especially to those in Southwest Florida who recently experienced the decimation brought on by Hurricane Ian. While an immeasurable number of volunteers and relief agencies tirelessly and selflessly work to help those in need, catastrophe […]
SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S JULY 2023 FRAUD ALERT: WARNING SIGNS OF IDENTITY THEFT
The crime of identity theft has continued to grow and expand along with the development of newer technologies and consumer economic conveniences. While the concept of identity theft has become somewhat commonplace, it is critical that individuals make their best efforts to protect their identity and to be observant for warning signs. Most know to […]
SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S JUNE 2023 FRAUD ALERT: USE OF THE FDIC LOGO
Nationwide, law enforcement agencies are receiving reports and complaints regarding fraudulent financial/banking “opportunities.” In 1933, Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for purposes of securing public confidence in our country’s financial system. The FDIC scrutinizes financial institutions and insures deposits within those approved banking organizations. Since the founding of the FDIC, not a […]
SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S AUGUST FRAUD ALERT: PROPERTY FRAUD
Lee County has been experiencing and continues to enjoy remarkable growth in regard to property value, new construction and home sales. The county’s Clerk of Court is receiving a seemingly endless flow of real estate documents and recordings. Unfortunately, property fraud has become an increasingly common criminal matter across the entire nation. As most property […]
SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S MARCH FRAUD ALERT: SCAMS, FRAUD AND ELECTRONIC THEFT
In this week’s meeting with the Economic Crimes Unit, an escalation of attempts to defraud our residents was reported to me. The methods and targets change continuously, placing law enforcement in a reactive posture as we continue to share information and warn our community. Both the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and other county law enforcement […]