Fake Manatee County Sheriff’s Office website is a scam to get your money, deputies say

Detectives are investigating a fake Manatee County Sheriff’s Office website that was set up by cybercriminals s as a money-making scam.

According to the sheriff’s office, someone is calling residents and telling them they missed jury duty. They then direct the victims to the fake website at www.manatee-sheriff.org instead of the actual website at www.manateesheriff.com to pay their fine using a MoneyPak Voucher Payment Center.

Detectives say the sheriff’s office was tipped off about the scam from a Manatee County resident who was contacted by the scammers .

“Anyone who receives a call or message directing them to this website should not provide payment or personal information and should contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office,” the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies are standing by to receive calls at 941-747-3011 to verify the legitimacy of the messages.

“Scammers have used photos from the real website in an attempt to make their site appear legitimate,” the sheriff’s office said.

Always call law enforcement when contacted via telephone or email from anyone claiming to be law enforcement for verification.

This story was originally published September 17, 2020 at 10:56 AM.