Scammer claims investigation launched into child

MILTON, Fla. (WALA) - A Milton woman, whose identity FOX10 is not releasing, got a phone call at work from a man saying he was with Florida's Department of Children and Families .

"Basically, he was telling her that they were opening up an investigation, and they would be in contact with her at a later date," said Sergeant Scott Haines of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Department.

The caller also confirmed enough personal information with the woman to make her beleive the call was legitimate. After the call ended, the woman drove to her child's day care.

"They stated that no reports had been made. That's not the protocol they follow," said Sgt. Haines.

The daycare called Florida Department of Children and Families, and the department informed them they had no open cases involving the woman.

"The phone numbers that this person said he was calling from are not good phone numbers because they come back to an actual business, and no one works there by the name the caller used," said Sgt. Haines.

Florida DCF suggests parents call them anytime that they doubt the identity of an investigator that identifies themselves as part of their agency.

"All of our agents have I.D. badges," said Erin Gillespie, Press Secretary with Florida DCF.

Meanwhile the sheriff's office continues to investigate the case.

"We don't know what this person was trying to do - scare this person, play a practical joke ... Whatever it was, we're taking it serious," said Sgt. Haines, "We would rather have it be someone who is familiar with her rather than someone she doesn't even know becasue that would be dangerous."

Florida Department of Children and Familes Hotline: 800-962-2873