AUSTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE WARNING OF SCAMS

  

The Austin County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of more phone scams being reported by area residents.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, they have received multiple scam calls for issues such as Failure to Appear, Warrants and Federal Jury Summons Warrants.

Scammers are calling, texting, or emailing residents while pretending to be police officers or court clerks. They claim you have an active arrest warrant for missing jury duty, unpaid traffic tickets, or federal charges.

They demand immediate cash or crypto to clear the bond.

This is a scam. Sheriff Jack Brandes said that real law enforcement will never call you and demand payment over the phone.

Warning Signs Include:

False Urgency – demands for immediate action to avoid arrest or legal penalties

Unusual Payments – requests to pay by gift cards, wire transfers, crypto or cash mailers

Impersonation – callers or texts pretending to be authorities

How to Protect Yourself:

Hang Up and Verify - Do not trust caller ID, call official law enforcement agency numbers to verify

Never Pay Upfront – The government never demands instant payments over the phone

What to do if Targeted:

Stop all communication with the suspected scammer immediately

File an official report

Notify your bank or credit card company if financial data was shared

Place a free fraud alert on your credit reports