Scammer Targeting Family Members of Pinellas County Jail Inmates (25-070)

PINELLAS COUNTY – The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is encouraging the public to be on alert for recent phone scams.

According to detectives, the suspect calls the citizens and identifies himself as “Sergeant Matthews” or “Sergeant Rudolph.” He then tells citizens that their family members can be released from jail if a payment is made via Cash App or depositing funds into a cryptocurrency ATM. In an effort to legitimize the transaction, the suspect will direct victims to the Sheriff’s Office Administration Building on Ulmerton Road or to the Criminal Justice Center on 49th Avenue North only to abruptly change plans redirect the victim when they are enroute.

PLEASE NOTE: The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call citizens requesting money over the telephone and will never ask for banking information to wire money. We advise citizens not to give personal information or account information over the phone and call the Sheriff’s Office to report suspicious activity. 

If anyone has information on this scam or has become a victim, they are asked to call the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 582-6200.