Scammers Mimic LPD Sergeant, Falsely Claim “Civil Division” to Demand Payments for Bogus Legal Matters
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Lakeland Police Department (LPD) issued a public warning today after receiving multiple reports of a cunning phone scam targeting residents. The fraudsters are impersonating an actual LPD Sergeant and attempting to extort money by fabricating “legal matters” and non-existent “Civil Division” offices.
According to LPD, victims reported receiving calls on Monday, July 21, 2025, from an unknown subject claiming to be a Lakeland Police Sergeant. The scammer would identify himself by the name of a real LPD Sergeant, lending an air of authenticity to the fraudulent call.
The subject would then claim the call was regarding a “legal matter” and provide a call-back number. When dialed, the voicemail for this number deceptively indicated it belonged to the “Lakeland Police Department’s Civil Division.” In one alarming instance, the scammer even directed a victim to meet at a local business to “clear up warrant paperwork.”…