North Florida Scammers Use Fake Court Docs and Bitcoin Demands

A wave of scams has been reported in North Florida, using fake federal court documents and threatening phone calls to extort money from victims. The scammers send fraudulent documents that appear official, complete with government seals and references to federal laws.

The victims are then instructed to make an immediate payment, often using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, to avoid arrest. However, the Live Oak Police Department warns that the federal government will never require payment in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers.

Citizens are urged to remember that courts and law enforcement do not call, text, or email demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest. Anyone receiving a suspicious call or document should hang up and contact their local law enforcement agency or the court using a verified phone number.