safety
Homestead police chief warns against scammers using his name to steal residents' bank information
By Peter D'Oench at CBS4 Miami
· July 18, 2026
· 2 min read
CBS News Miami Homestead Police Chief Mario Knapp is warning the public after scammers impersonated him in an attempt to steal sensitive banking information.In an exclusive interview with CBS News Miami, Knapp called the situation "unusual," noting that he had never encountered a scam in which a pol
Key takeaway In an exclusive interview with CBS News Miami, Knapp called the situation "unusual," noting that he had never encountered a scam in which a police chief's name was used to target potential victims.
Why this matters in The Miami
The scam targeting Homestead residents using Police Chief Mario Knapp's name is a concerning development in Miami-Dade County, where residents are already vulnerable to various financial scams. The use of "spoofing" technology to make calls appear as though they are originating from the Homestead Police Department is particularly alarming, as it can be difficult for residents to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate calls. This incident highlights the need for residents to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, especially those requesting sensitive banking information. As a major hub for Latin American and Caribbean communities, Miami-Dade County's diverse population may be more susceptible to such scams, making it crucial for law enforcement and community leaders to raise awareness about these types of threats. Residents in neighborhoods like Little Havana, Wynwood, and Brickell should be vigilant and verify the authenticity of calls before providing any personal information.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CBS News Miami Homestead Police Chief Mario Knapp is warning the public after scammers impersonated him in an attempt to steal sensitive banking information.In an exclusive interview with CBS News Miami, Knapp called the situation "unusual," noting that he had never encountered a scam in which a pol
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Peter D'Oench at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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