The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is calling it the “Sofia Scam,” because panhandlers are claiming to be raising money for a baby named Sofia.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Charitable scams are on the rise this holiday season and a nationwide one has arrived in Florida and is also seen here in the First Coast. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is calling it the “Sofia Scam”.
This scam is where a group of people holding posters stand in high-traffic intersections asking for donations for a baby named Sofia who has a heart malformation. The sign looks like this with a baby’s photo on it and people holding those signs have been seen asking for money at many intersections in Jacksonville. The FBI says these charitable scams are especially during the holiday season.
“These scammers are working to exploit people who have given hearts who want to give to other people at the time of the holiday. They’re not only exploiting the people who are giving to them, but they’re also exploiting the people who should be receiving this money from legitimate organizations, and really, really need that help,” FBI Spokesperson Amanda Videll said.
At the intersection of Beach and Southside Blvd Sunday, numerous people holding these signs for Sofia were spotted, begging passing cars to donate to her medical care. But…
