FDLE Warns Public of AMBER Alert Phone Scam Targeting Families

Florida law enforcement officials are alerting residents to an ongoing phone scam in which callers falsely claim to be associated with the AMBER Alert system. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, scammers are contacting individuals, requesting children’s personal or demographic information, or attempting to schedule what they describe as an “AMBER kit appointment.”

Authorities emphasize that no legitimate AMBER Alert program pre-registers children, collects personal information in advance, or schedules home visits. AMBER Alerts are issued only after a child has been reported missing and law enforcement has confirmed that specific criteria have been met.

Residents who receive such calls are advised not to provide any personal information, to hang up immediately, and to report the incident to local law enforcement. In Bradenton, reports can be made to the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300.

Law enforcement agencies encourage the public to remain vigilant and share this information with friends, family, and neighbors to help prevent others from falling victim to the scam.