CIVILIAN SUPPORT UNIT NEWSLETTER WINTER 2025-2026
FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: PROPERTY OWNERS SEEKING RENTERS ADVISED TO USE CAUTION
Our office has received reports regarding a recent crime trend, occurring around the county, that involves disconcerting similarities. My detectives have determined that property owners, using certain online rental websites which allow potential renters to have unescorted access inside of the property, have become the victims of an assortment of crimes. Through use of these […]
FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: TAX TIME, SCAM TIME
According to information received from the Federal Trade Commission, “impersonation scams” topped their 2022 list for most frequently reported fraudulent activity. With tax time upon us, we are anticipating reports of the annual tax scams that surface this time of year. Despite repeated warnings regarding prevailing and ongoing scams, there is a segment of our […]
FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: THE NEVER-ENDING GRANDPARENT SCAM
It appears that the regrettable success of the “Grandparent Scam” has prompted scammers to continue their criminal assault on senior citizens. An 82-year-old New Jersey woman received a call from a person that she believed to be her grandson. The caller stated “I was in a car accident. I broke my nose and split my […]
MARCH 9, 2023…”SLAM THE SCAM” DAY
Americans lost over $8.8 billion to fraud and scams in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. That enormous loss increased by 44% from the previous year! Sheriff Carmine Marceno asks that you take the time to learn more about existing scams, understand the commonalities and warning signs and seek assistance whenever unsure. Consider subscribing […]
GRAND OPENING OF LCSO COCONUT POINT COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER
Join Sheriff Carmine Marceno for an afternoon of FREE fun, food, music and entertainment as the Lee County Sheriff’s Office opens the brand new Coconut Point Community Outreach Center at the Coconut Point Shopping Center. Located at 23140 Fashion Drive unit 111 in Estero, Florida, between Barnes & Noble and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the […]
FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: SCAMMERS POSING AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit has received reports indicating that Lee County residents have been receiving calls from criminals impersonating law enforcement officers. Victims are informed that they have “outstanding warrants,” have “failed to report for jury duty,” and have been told that they have “outstanding” or “unpaid” tickets. The callers are […]
FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS SCAM
Following the announcement of recent legislation designated to offer limited loan forgiveness, scammers diligently went to work to find ways to extract personal information from enthusiastic and unsuspecting student-loan consumers. It has been reported, nationwide, that individuals have received phone calls, text messages and messages across social media platforms asking student-loan consumers to call a […]
A MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT
Nationwide, law enforcement is receiving a growing number of reports regarding stolen catalytic converters. The catalytic converter is a component of a vehicle exhaust system designed to reduce pollutants released into the air. Their use was mandated in 1975 as a means to protect the environment. It is located beneath the vehicle and, in some […]
FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO: TECH SUPPORT SCAMS
Last month, I was notified of a “Geek Squad” scam that had been reported to our Economics Crime Unit. Along similar lines, it appears that “Tech Support” scams have become commonplace and have been reported to our agency. This fraudulent activity involves criminals falsely representing legitimate companies in an attempt to share personal information, make […]