The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office announced on Apr. 15 that it has received several reports of scam calls targeting local residents. According to the office, individuals are calling citizens and falsely claiming to be members of the Sheriff’s Office, sometimes using the names of actual employees.
The Sheriff’s Office said these callers may already have personal information such as full names or dates of birth in order to appear credible. The scams often involve claims that the recipient has missed jury duty, failed to appear for court, or owes fines or fees. The callers then demand immediate payment through non-traditional methods like Bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers.
Officials stressed that this is a scam and warned that the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office will never call citizens demanding payment over the phone or request payment via Bitcoin, gift cards, or similar means. The office also stated it will not threaten immediate arrest for failure to pay by phone.
Sheriff J. Nick Hanna advised anyone who receives such a call not to send money and to hang up immediately without providing any personal or financial information. He said those unsure about a call’s legitimacy should contact the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office directly using its official phone number.
Hanna urged community members to check on elderly family members, friends, and neighbors who are often targeted by these scams. “Please help us spread the word by sharing this information/post!” Hanna said.
