Police Warning About Text Scam in Pinellas Park

Right now, so many are wanting to step up and help. When something like Hurricane Ian hits, people tend to open their wallets and give to help out. But unfortunately scammers like to take advantage of those good intentions.

Today, Pinellas Park police posted a warning to residents. Text messages are being sent out by some scammer offering a “Pinellas Park Police Department” shirt. The text claims to offer $10 off if you order now. The text message might even address you by your name. And after what we’ve gone through, we all want to show support to our first responders.

Don’t fall for it. It’s fake. James Gatti from the Pinellas Park Police Department says they’re not selling any shirts right now. If you have any questions, you can reach them at (727) 244-1715. There are a lot of LEGITIMATE fundraisers going on. We’d love it if you join us as Q105 is helping raise money for the American Red Cross to do the great work they do.

Photos From the Ground: Weekend Clean Up In South Florida After Hurricane Ian

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  Whitney Hall waves to a friend from the remains of his home while waving the American flag amidst wreckage left in the wake of Hurricane Ian on the island of Matlacha.

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  James Pironti washes off the muddy money he recovered from his bedroom in Fort Myers, Florida.

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  A storm damaged Bentley rests against a tree in Bonita Springs, Florida.
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  A fish lays on the road after Hurricane Ian passed through the area in Fort Myers.

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  A vehicles wheels peek out of the water in Fort Myers Beach.

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  Sanibel Island, Florida.
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  Members of the Indiana Task Force 1 Search and Rescue team look for anyone needing help in Fort Myers.

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  A resident of a neighborhood flooded by the rising Myakka River carries her dog after being evacuated in North Port.

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  Dan Beazley rolls a cross through an area where homes were destroyed in Fort Myers. Mr. Beazley said he brought the cross with him to help hurricane victims with healing and love.
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  People talk near boats resting on a sidewalk Saturday in Bonita Springs, Florida.

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  The wait in line for gas Saturday in Bonita Springs, Florida.

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  A resident paddling a kayak returns to his home with supplies in a neighborhood flooded by a rising Myakka River in North Port, Florida.
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  A storm damaged residence in the wake of Hurricane Ian on Sanibel Island, Florida. Known for rescues in Afghanistan and Ukraine, the Project DYNAMO team was unable to make contact with the person they were searching for.

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  Bryan Stern, right, Dean Calderone, and Alexander Toal, left, of the Project DYNAMO rescue organization, look into a garage on Sanibel Island.