Alerts – Page 2 – Flagler Beach Police Department

December 8, 2017

Active Email Scam

“Active E-mail Scam – Stop the Grinch”

The Flagler Beach Police Department is providing this announcement in an effort to warn citizens in our community that there is an active e-mail “scam” occurring locally. “Scammers” are looking to profit on a deal that’s too good to be true. The good news is that there have not been any reported victims in Flagler Beach.

The current scam involves an e-mail from someone claiming to be from the “Office of Inspection Unit” in Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Airport Maryland. The scammer advises that there’s “a consignment that is in a custody at our bondage security warehouse vault”. The e-mail continues by stating that “two trunk box consignments bearing a tag identification of your name and e-mail was discovered to contain some reasonable millions sum of money in 100-dollar bills”. The scammer kindly provides a personal cell phone number for you to contact and the e-mail you’ve received comes from a personal hotmail account. At this point red flags should be raised, and alarms should be sounding; as you have been targeted in a scam.

Please understand that no legitimate Government employee will ever e-mail you about Government business from their personal e-mail accounts regarding Government business, nor will they provide you with their personal cell phones numbers. These scam e-mails are being sent for one reason and one reason only: to take your hard earned money.

If you receive an e-mail of this nature we’re asking citizens do the following;

Don’t respond to the e-mail or call the number, and
Delete the e-mail.

Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney stated “These scammers had the nerve to e-mail this scam to my work place, so they’re bold and brazen. The holidays are right around the corner, so be alert, be prepared and stop the Grinch!”

If you have any questions regarding this active e-mail scam, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2024.

October 13, 2017

Scam Alert

“Hurricane Irma Recovery – Scam Alert”

As we continue to recover from Hurricane Irma please remember that “Scammers” are still active throughout the State of Florida trying to prey on those that have endured so much. The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to be prepared and remain vigilant. Here are some tips to safeguard against fraud:

Ask to see identification: All Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives are required to carry an identification badge with a photograph. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with anyone you encounter, contact your local Law Enforcement agency immediately.

Safeguard your FEMA registration number: This number is the key to your application information. Please safeguard it and do not share it with others.

Safeguard personal information: No State or Federal Government disaster assistance agency will call you to ask for your financial account information. Unless you place a call to a verified agency yourself, you should not provide personal information over the phone.

Federal Inspectors: FEMA Inspectors verify damages. They do not involve themselves in any aspect of the repair, nor do they recommend Contractors.

Beware of people going door to door: People knocking on doors at damaged homes or phoning homeowners claiming to be building contractors may be con artists, especially if they ask for personal information or solicit money.

The toll free FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline number is 866-720-5721. If you suspect fraud, please call this number!

If you have any questions regarding this awareness announcement, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2024.

SCAM ALERT

September 25, 2017

Scam Alert

“Active Telephone Scam – Hurricane Recovery Grants”

The Flagler Beach Police Department is providing this awareness announcement in an effort to warn citizens in our community that there is an active telephone “scam” occurring locally. “Scammers” are looking to capitalize on those affected by Hurricane Irma and to date there have only been a couple of reported phone calls in our City. The good news is that there have not been any reported victims in Flagler Beach.

The current scam involves a phone call from someone claiming to be from the “Government” or the “Federal Government”. The caller claims to work for the “Federal Department of Grants” and they ask for your personal information over the telephone. The “scammer” advises that citizens are eligible to receive various amounts of grant monies to assist with the recovery of the recent hurricane. Please understand that no legitimate Federal Government employee will ever call you and tell you that you qualify or have been approved for a grant for which you’ve never applied. These phone calls are being made for one reason; to take your hard earned money.

If you receive a call of this nature we’re asking citizens do the following;

Please do not provide any personal information over the telephone.
Hang up the phone and contact your local Law Enforcement agency for assistance.

Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney stated “Plain and simple, I hope this information prevents victims. These “scammers” or vultures are preying on those that are recovering from a major life changing event. The best way to prevent victimization is to be aware, be alert and then spread the word!”

If you have any questions regarding this active scam, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2024. Additional information on similar types of scams can be found at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website: https://www.hhs.gov/grants/grants/avoid-grant-scams/index.html

September 13, 2017September 13, 2017

Watch for downed Powerlines

Watch for downed powerlines

September 11, 2017 – As powerlines are in the process of being re-energized, Flagler County officials caution residents to use extreme caution as electric lines become live.

“This can be a very dangerous situation,” Flagler County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “The weather has improved, but it is still a very fluid situation and we don’t want our residents to be complacent about safety.”

Power should be cut off to homes that have structural damage. Residents should ensure power is off at the box to avoid electrical hazards as lines become re-energized.

As always, treat every downed powerline as live until FP&L confirms otherwise.

Check for current information on Flagler County’s website www.flaglercounty.org, or tune into the county’s partner radio station WNZF, 1550 am, 106.3 fm, KIX fm 98.7 and the Flagler Radio App worldwide. Follow “Flagler County Government” or “Flagler County Emergency Management on Facebook or Twitter. The county’s social media team will provide updates through these official accounts:

Facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment
Facebook.com/FlaglerEOC
Twitter.com/FlaglerCtyGov
Twitter.com/FlaglerEM
Flagler TV Spectrum Channel 492

September 10, 2017

Find Shelter as Weather Deteriorates

September 10, 2017 – The path of Hurricane Irma’s shift to the west coast of Florida, however that does not mean Flagler County will escape effects of this massive storm. For that reason, emergency officials in the county warn residents today is the final day to find shelter.

“We’ve told people the last few days to take that time to prepare for this storm,” said Flagler County Emergency Manager Steve Garten. “Today, Sunday, is the final day to sheltering before the storm. If you are in a newer home and not in an evacuation zone, your best option is to shelter in place. Our shelters are open and have capacity.

The following shelters are still open:

Rymfire Elementary School-Special needs

1425 Rymfire Drive, Palm Coast

Bunnell Elementary School- For those with Pets

305 N. Palmetto St, Bunnell

Wadsworth Elementary and Buddy Taylor Middle Schools-General Population

4500 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast

Craig Coffey, Flagler County Administrator adds, “Once severe weather conditions pass, damage assessment teams will begin their work across the county. We ask residents to keep their travel to a minimum in the time following the worst weather passing us.”

Remember, as weather conditions worsen our first responders will not be able to respond since they will be taking shelter from the storm.

Our call-in center continues to be in operation around the clock. That number is 386-586-5111.

Check for current information on Flagler County’s website www.flaglercounty.org, or tune into the county’s partner radio station WNZF, 1550 am, 106.3 fm, KIX fm 98.7, and the Flagler Radio App worldwide. Follow “Flagler County Government” or “Flagler County Emergency Management on Facebook or Twitter. The county’s social media team will provide updates through these official accounts:

September 9, 2017September 9, 2017

Alcohol Sales Suspended_Curfew Expanded

Sunday: alcohol sales suspended, curfew expanded

September 9, 2017 – Flagler County has issued an emergency order suspending the sale of alcohol starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, and expanding the curfew from just the beachside to include the entire county.

The ban on the sale of alcohol includes bars and restaurants in addition to liquor stores and grocery stores.

“Saturday night there is a curfew for Zone A which include everything east of the Intracoastal,” said Flagler County Emergency Manager Steve Garten. “Sunday’s curfew will be in place for all of Flagler County.”

The curfew will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until futher notice.

Once Hurricane Irma reaches Flagler County – which is anticipated sometime Sunday, depending on weather conditions – residents are asked to stay indoors and off the roadways until the hurricane has past the area and damage assessments have been made.

“We don’t want residents to put themselves in danger,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “Please stay safe.”