BRENHAM POLICE CONTINUE TO WARN OF SCAMS

  

Brenham police are reminding citizens to be wary of people utilizing the internet or phone either promising gifts or money or trying to extort money by claiming a relative is in jail or they are with the IRS.

“We’ve had another rash of reports of people trying to scam our citizens and we just want to remind everyone to call us if they think they are being targeted,” said Chief Rex Phelps. “The IRS will always send taxpayers a written notification of any tax due via the U.S. mail. The IRS never asks for credit card, debit card or prepaid card information over the telephone.

“If someone calls telling you a relative is in jail and asking for bond money, you can call whatever agency that is allegedly holding the relative or you can call the local authorities to verify that claim for you,” he said.

Other popular cons include letters saying the recipient has won thousands of dollars which will be sent to them as soon as they send in a “processing fee” and calls from “utility” companies asking for late payment fees through prepaid credit cards. These tactics are being used more frequently and people across the country are falling prey because they are complying without verifying.

“If you get something in the mail, email or on the phone, check it out thoroughly before you respond. If you suspect you are being scammed, call us and let us check for you. If they are asking you for money or account information, verify it before sending them anything. If it’s a legitimate request they should have no problem proving it,” Phelps said.