Beware of Scammers: Kaufman County Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant
Kaufman County residents are being urged to remain alert following reports of a disturbing phone scam involving individuals impersonating members of the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office. Victims have received calls from a voice recording claiming to be a sheriff’s deputy, alleging that a warrant has been issued for their arrest due to missed court dates or jury duty. The callers demand immediate payment to resolve the alleged issue. It is crucial for residents to understand that the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office will never contact individuals by phone to demand money.
Residents who receive such calls should immediately report them to the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office at 972-932-4337 or the non-emergency line at 469-376-4598.
A Warning on Payment Methods
It is important to note that Kaufman County will never request payment through Apple Pay, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, gift cards, or MoneyPak. Scammers often employ aggressive tactics, claiming urgent legal matters that require immediate payment, and may spoof legitimate phone numbers to appear credible.
What to Know
Never send money to someone you have not met in person.
Law enforcement agencies will not demand payment over the phone.
Any caller requesting payment via cryptocurrency is a scammer.
Be wary of any caller claiming you must pay money to receive money back.
What to Do
If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, allow it to go to voicemail.
Do not call back the number that contacted you. Instead, visit the official website of your bank or the relevant agency to find their customer service number.
Types of Scams on the Rise
Jail Scams
One prevalent scam involves callers claiming that a resident’s grandchild is in jail. Scammers may impersonate the grandchild and assert that they require funds for bail, court costs, or victim compensation. These calls often include an accomplice posing as an attorney, and scammers may offer to send a "courier service" to collect payment directly from the victim. Caller ID may display the local jail’s phone number to appear legitimate.
Another variation of this scam involves demanding additional funds on a posted bond or requesting payment before a bail amount has been established by the court.
Bank Scams
Bank scams typically begin with a text message or phone call that resembles a legitimate alert from a financial institution. Scammers may claim that the victim’s account has been compromised and ask for personal information such as a driver’s license number or social security number. They may instruct the victim to withdraw funds and deposit them into a "safe" account, often providing a new account number or recommending the purchase of valuables like gold or silver. These scammers may even offer to send an “agent” to retrieve the cash.
Teleworking and Small Business Scams
This scam often appears as a text message or advertisement promising high earnings from home. Victims are asked to make an initial investment to build a home office or set up a business banking account, ultimately leading to financial loss.
Social Media Scams
Scammers are increasingly using social media platforms to target victims. These scams often begin with a direct message or friend request, claiming that the “friend” needs immediate financial assistance. The scammer may ask to borrow a debit card and PIN to deposit a fake check, subsequently withdrawing as much cash as possible before the fraud is discovered.
If You Have Been Scammed
Contact your bank, report the scam, and close your accounts immediately.
File a report with your local law enforcement agency.
Many individuals refrain from reporting scams due to embarrassment, but it is crucial to speak out. Scammers are skilled at creating anxiety and desperation, making it challenging to discern their tactics. Remember, you are not alone, and these criminals often operate from outside our jurisdiction.
Residents are encouraged to discuss these scams with family members, particularly the elderly, who may be more vulnerable. For additional information, you can view a helpful video provided by the Travis County Sheriff’s Office at this link.
