- Home
- Departments
- Police
- Community
- Crime Prevention
- Avoiding Phone Scams
Since April 2025, 17 courier scams have been reported in the City of Palm Beach Gardens, resulting in losses exceeding $300,000. Nationwide, phone scams cost Americans thousands of dollars each year, sometimes even their life savings. Scammers may sound friendly, helpful or threatening, but their goal is always the same: to steal your money or personal information.
What is Courier Fraud?
Courier fraud occurs when criminals pose as bank officials or police, calling victims to claim their account is compromised. They trick victims into handing over cash, valuables or bank cards to a courier. Victims are older adults and persuaded to help with a fake investigation, losing large sums.
Scammers often use the same tactics:
❌ “You’ve Won a Prize”
If you must pay fees, taxes or shipping to claim winnings, it’s a scam.
❌ Threats of Arrest or Legal Action
Real law enforcement agencies do not call to demand payment or demand money to avoid legal action.
❌ Pressure to Act Immediately
Legitimate businesses give you time to review offers and make decisions.
❌ Demands for Specific Payment Methods
Scammers often request payment via:
- Gift Cards
Wire Transfers
Cryptocurrency
Payment Apps
These methods are hard to trace and recover.
❌ Requests for Sensitive Personal Information
Government agencies will not call unexpectedly asking for your Social Security number or other sensitive data.
❌ False Claims Your Accounts Are Compromised
The scammer tells you your account(s) were compromised, and you need to withdraw the money to keep it safe.
❌ Pressure to Keep the Situation Secret
The scammer tells you not to tell the police or your family members.
❌ Bank Deception Instructions
The scammer instructs you to tell the bank tellers a fake reason for you withdrawing the money because they are compromised.
Phone scammers frequently use these schemes:
Impersonating government agencies, businesses or family members
Debt relief or credit repair scams
Fake investment or business opportunities
Charity donation scams
Extended car warranty scams
“Free trial” scams with hidden monthly billing
Loan scams requiring upfront fees
Prize, lottery, travel and timeshare scams
Protect yourself with these steps:
Hang up on suspicious calls
Don’t press buttons or engage with robocalls
Use call-blocking or call-labeling tools
Don’t trust caller ID: scammers can fake numbers (“spoofing”)
Act quickly. You may still be able to recover your money.
Contact immediately:
Your bank or credit card company
Gift card company
Wire transfer company
Payment app provider
If you shared personal information:
Change passwords
Monitor your credit
Report identity theft if needed
Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Reporting helps law enforcement track scammers and protect others.
✔ Stay Alert. Stay Protected.
If something feels urgent, threatening or too good to be true. pause and verify before taking action.
QUESTIONS? Call Palm Beach Gardens Crime Prevention at 561.799.4590.