Brevard County Sheriff’s Office K-9 ‘Saint’ Warns Residents Identity Theft ‘Is Not a Joke’
By Space Coast Daily // February 20, 2026
scams begin with an unexpected phone call or text message
ABOVE VIDEO: Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents: Identity Theft ‘Is Not a Joke’
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to stay vigilant as scammers continue to target victims through phone calls, text messages and online schemes.
In a public message shared this week, Sheriff Wayne Ivey emphasized the seriousness of identity theft and urged the community to think twice before sharing personal information.
“Identity theft is not a joke,” the sheriff’s office stated, noting that criminals are constantly developing new tactics to trick people into revealing sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, banking information and login credentials.
Officials say many scams begin with an unexpected phone call or text message. Scammers often pose as representatives of government agencies, law enforcement, toll authorities or utility companies, claiming the victim owes money, has an outstanding warrant or must resolve an urgent issue.
The Sheriff’s Office advises residents that if they receive a call or text from someone they do not recognize, they should not engage.
“If you’re unsure who is contacting you, hang up or don’t reply,” the agency said. “You can always look up the legitimate phone number for the company or agency the caller claims to represent and contact them directly.”
Deputies also highlighted the importance of two-factor authentication as an added layer of protection for online accounts. While enabling two-factor authentication can significantly improve security, officials stress that residents should never share verification codes with anyone.
“Never give that code to anyone,” the Sheriff’s Office warned.
Authorities encourage residents to remain cautious, verify requests for information independently and report suspected scams to local law enforcement.
The message, delivered with a reminder from the agency’s crime-fighting mascot Saint, underscores a serious point: safeguarding personal information is critical in preventing identity theft.
“Help keep your identity safe,” the Sheriff’s Office urged. “It is not a joke.”
