Okaloosa County Sheriff warns of scam impersonating deputies

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents to a fraud scheme in which scammers are posing as law enforcement officials, including the chief deputy, to trick people out of money or information.

While specific details about how the scam operates weren't immediately available, the sheriff's office is urging residents to be cautious about unsolicited calls or contacts claiming to be from their agency. Officials remind the public that legitimate law enforcement will not solicit money over the phone or demand payment for fines or legal issues through unconventional means.

If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, hang up and contact the agency directly using a phone number you know to be legitimate. You can also report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the Florida Attorney General's office.