Sheriff Gibson: Beware of scams in Osceola County

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  • Sheriff Russ Gibson
    Sheriff Russ Gibson
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There are some “bad people” out there who are using the coronavirus scare to scam people out of their money, Osceola Sheriff Russ Gibson said.

On March 19, there were suspects in the Poinciana area posing as American Red Cross workers going from home to home, offering COVID-19 tests for a fee.

“We want to make you aware that this is an absolute scam,” Gibson said. “There is no such testing such as that in Osceola County, the state of Florida or the United States that I am aware of.”

Anyone who comes across such individuals should call 911, so deputies can make contact with them and “have discussions with them,” Gibson said.

“Sadly there are a lot of bad people out there and we don’t want you to give them any of your hardearned cash,” he added.

Be wary of online scams as well Gibson said. Don’t click on any links that are not familiar and ignore offers for COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Currently, there are no vaccines for prescriptions available to treat or cure the virus,” Gibson said.

If you choose to make a donation to a charity, Gibson said to “do your homework.”

“Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation,” he added.

If they are asking for cash, gift cards or asking you to wire money, it is a scam, Gibson stressed.