Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as a phone scammer, going by the name of Brian Ortega, has been targeting citizens in the area. 

• The scammer claims to be affiliated with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and employs a spoof account number, disguising it as the legitimate Fort Walton Beach Police dispatch number (850-833-9546).

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department issued a warning about this fraudulent activity, stating that the scam involves demanding money from unsuspecting victims or threatening arrest if payment is not made. 

“Please be aware law enforcement will never contact you by phone and request that you pay any amount of money,” wrote the Fort Walton Beach Police Department in a press release.

The FWBPD emphasized that if residents suspect they are being targeted by a scammer, the best course of action is to immediately end the call and contact their local law enforcement agency.