beware of texts from sheriff impostor [Video]

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — Authorities in Santa Rosa County are warning residents after reports of a texting scam involving a fake sheriff.

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SRCSO said in a press release that they were notified of a text message scam targeting the community on Aug. 19. According to the sheriff’s office, the scam messages, which may request that residents call or click a link, appear to be from Sheriff Bob Johnson.

“While these fraudulent messages or calls may use the Sheriff’s name, they are not from the Sheriff or any representative of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office,” the release said.

The SRCSO provided the following advice for residents who receive the texts:

“If you receive message(s) or calls from an unknown number or contact, remember not to respond, do not click any links, and report the number and contact immediately. Scams …