The U.S. Secret Service has uncovered a multi-million dollar scheme that used a young Apopka janitor as a “money mule” to transfer cash, money orders and unemployment benefits to a Nigerian police barracks over the last six years.

As the Nov. 3 general election approaches, many Central Floridians have been receiving text messages on their mobile devices soliciting donations for political candidates, offering assistance with mail-in ballots or inquiring about voter registration status.

“We found a package from March pending for you,” a photo of the phony text message posted by Osceola County deputies reads. “Kindly assume ownership and confirm for delivery here.”According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the text includes a link that, when clicked on, leads recipients to a page that requests personal information from them. There have been reports of people receiving a text message about a "Pending Package" with a link requesting personal data. pic.twitter.com/ZX8bEQ2fy1 — Osceola Sheriff (@OsceolaSheriff) September 2, 2020In a “scam alert” warning posted by the sheriff’s office, deputies warned recipients of the dangers of clicking on that link. “Criminals seek to obtain information that could be used to steal your identity, empty your bank account or install malware,” sheriff’s office officials said in a tweet.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Emergency officials in Osceola County are warning residents about a fake phone call reportedly going around about COVID-19 testing during the coronavirus pandemic. Officials with Osceola County’s Office of Emergency Management tweeted Monday that they had received several reports about the fraudulent automated call that looks like it’s from an official phone number. Residents are urged not to share personal information by phone. — OsceolaEOC (@OsceolaEOC) April 20, 2020EOC officials said the automated caller is asking residents for information in exchange for COVID-19 testing. To avoid falling victim to a potential scam, residents should not provide any personal information over the phone, EOC officials warned.