Scammer Impersonating Bradenton Beach Police in Phone Fraud Scheme

BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. — Authorities are warning residents about an ongoing phone scam involving a caller who falsely claims to be a detective with the Bradenton Beach Police Department.

At least five individuals reported receiving calls on July 23 from someone alleging they had missed a court date and must now pay a cash bond to avoid being held in contempt of court. The caller ID displayed the official number of the police department, lending the scheme an appearance of legitimacy.

Investigators believe additional victims may not have come forward yet.

Police emphasized that no officer or department representative would ever call residents to demand payment. The scammers are believed to be operating from outside the area, making them difficult to trace.

Anyone who receives such a call is urged not to engage and to hang up immediately. Victims or potential targets should report the incident to the Bradenton Beach Police Department’s non-emergency line at 941-778-6311.