DeFuniak Springs Police are investigating a case of Fraud at the hands of two thieves claiming to be Sheriff’s Deputies. The female victim received a phone call from a person representing themselves as “Deputy Armstrong from Walton County Sheriff’s Office” who said she had a warrant. The victim then handed the phone to her husband, who is a senior citizen. Her husband was advised to take down a number and for his wife to call back to resolve the warrant. The victims were contacted again by a person claiming to be “Deputy Davenport” and advised that payment needed to be made or the female victim would be arrested. On Saturday, February 14, a person claiming to be “Deputy Armstrong” called and spoke to the husband. According to the victims, they were advised to load over a $1,000 onto pre-paid debit cards. The suspect then advised them to contact a phone number with the debit card information. The victims, truly believing that the Deputies and warrant were legitimate, called the suspects back and provided the debit card information. The money was then taken from the cards by the suspects.
“This is just heartbreaking to know that thieves will prey on our elderly citizens who can barely make ends meet. We need the public’s help so that we can catch these predators” said Chief Weeks. The investigation is on-going and Chief Weeks asks that families warn each other of this scam. “I’ve had to speak with my family members about suspicious calls and advised them never give out financial or personal information to people you don’t know.” Anyone with information regarding this scam is asked to call Officer Cody Adkinson at 850-892-8513. Callers can also remain anonymous by calling the TIPS line at 850-910-TIPS (8477).