This week the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office received a scam complaint with a different twist. For years the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has made the public aware of scams involving the IRS and sweepstakes. The complainant received this week combined the two with the addition of our local Tax Collectors Office.
The victim of this scam was initially notified by phone that they were third place winners of Publisher’s Clearinghouse. They were advised that certain taxes and fees had to be paid before collecting their $500,000 winnings. Later on they received a fax with the Sumter County Tax Collector Seal congratulating them and explaining to them the taxes and other fees the victim would have to pay. The victim sent a check for $498 for attorney and processing fees.
The victim became suspicious and went to the Sumter County Tax Collectors Office and discovered it was indeed a scam. Sumter County Tax Collector Randy Mask personally escorted the victims to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office to report it.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office wants to warn the public that if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. If you have any questions contact your local authorities.
“Anything affiliated with the Tax Collector’s Office would have their local phone number on it,” Mask said.
If you have any questions or concerns about documents from the Tax Collector, contact the office directly at (352) 569 – 6740.