No Matter Your Age, Scammers Can Catch You by Surprise

Donna Nichols • July 9, 2024
A red warning sign with an exclamation point and the word scam.

I found this in Seniors Today and thought it very blog-worthy. It comes straight from our very own Sheriff Chitwood and with all the scams going on everyday I also deem it appropriate. I hope it makes you realize you are not alone if you have succumbed to these scammers out there and makes you understand just how good they are and how aware you must be each day. NEVER give your information to anyone. Should you receive such a call, hang up, call your bank and ask them!


This week, an unfortunate soul in west Volusia contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report being a victim of fraud: He’d received a phone call from his bank alerting him that someone had used his bank card for a $300 purchase.


The caller stated he worked at Wells Fargo Bank, our victim's bank. The caller assured him the bank would handle the fraudulent charges. First, they asked for the victim's personal bank information and full access to his phone settings.


He provided all the financial information a scammer would need to help himself to our victim's bank accounts. At the urging of the caller, our victim, who is in his early 20s, transferred a large sum from his checking account to another account. He promptly observed it disappearing from that account.


Our victim's next call was to his bank, to ask about the teller he spoke to, and learned the bank had not contacted him and was unaware of his missing money.

The victim wants to pursue criminal charges and we have an active investigation under way.


Unfortunately, this kind of scam happens regularly to people of all ages here in Volusia County. Some people have lost thousands of dollars, believing they're receiving a legitimate call from their banking institution. So, they follow directions until they realize they've been had.


We all need to educate ourselves and be vigilant, to avoid falling for these kinds of schemes that keep happening.


Tips: Here are some basic tips to avoid becoming a scam victim:


If you don't recognize the caller's number, don't answer it. They can leave a message if it's important. If they don't, you probably escaped a potential scam.


Never give out your financial or personal information over the phone-such as your birthday, Social Security number, bank account numbers, and more. Even or especially to someone who claims they're calling from your bank. They're likely an imposter. If you fear there might be a problem with your account, go to your bank in person. Check your accounts online yourself. If you're not sure, run it by someone you trust. Or our non-emergency dispatch number: 386.248.1777. Or 911 in an emergency.


Don't be rushed into making a mistake by someone who could be a scammer. Think before you act. This could be a scam. Don't fall for it.


Signs to watch for:


Have you received:


•          Unsolicited calls or emails.

•          High-pressure tactics or offers that seem too good to be true.

•          Threats of loss or risk if you don't take immediate action, even including arrest.

•          Requests for immediate payment by wire transfer, credit, prepaid debt, or especially gift cards.


Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody's website myfloridalegal.com features helpful programs with information about common scams. One program is  Scams At A Glance and includes down­loadable brochures in English and Spanish to teach consumers how to avoid becoming a fraud victim. The other program is Consumer Alert. To view recent Consumer Alerts, visit: My FloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert


It's easy to fall victim to scams like we've described, but you don't have to! If you're unsure, ask a trusted friend or family member, or call the Sheriff's Office at 386.248.1777 or 911 in an emergency. We're always glad to help.


Please stay savvy and stay safe,

Sheriff Mike Chitwood

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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February and the Heart

By Donna Nichols • February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.