The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is alerting residents about a new phone scam where callers falsely associate themselves with the AMBER Alert system to gather personal information about children.
According to FDLE, scammers are contacting families, claiming to be representatives of the AMBER Alert initiative. In these calls, they either request children’s personal information or suggest scheduling what they term an “AMBER kit appointment” at the family’s residence. Investigators emphasize that these calls are fraudulent and do not represent the operational procedures of the AMBER Alert system.
There are no legitimate programs affiliated with AMBER Alert that pre-register kids, gather personal data in advance, or arrange home visits. AMBER Alerts are only issued when a child is reported missing, and law enforcement confirms that specific conditions are met.
FDLE urges anyone receiving such calls to refrain from giving out personal information, hang up promptly, and report the incident to their local law enforcement agency. They also encourage families to discuss this scam with friends, relatives, and neighbors to prevent others from falling victim.
To help protect themselves, families are reminded to trust their instincts. If a call feels rushed, suspicious, or unsettling, they should take the time to verify the information before sharing any personal details. This advice highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting personal information, especially concerning family safety.