TCSO will never seek payment for anything via Apple Pay, Crypto Currency, Crypto ATM, a wire transfer, gift cards or MoneyPak, nor will TCSO ever send a courier to receive payment for any matter.
A number of phone scams have been victimizing residents of Travis County. The scammer aggressively makes a claim involving court proceedings, an arrest or banking, and demands immediate payment as the only option to solve the problem. The scammers often spoof the phone numbers of legitimate entities.
WHAT TO KNOW:
- You should never send money to someone you’ve never met in person.
- Law enforcement agencies will not demand money over the phone.
- Any caller who wants you to pay via Crypto is a scammer.
- Any caller who says you have to pay money to get money back is a scammer.
WHAT TO DO:
- If you don’t recognize the number of an incoming call, let it go to voicemail.
- Do NOT directly call back the number that called you. Go to the web site of your bank or the government agency and call the number they have listed for customer service or the fraud department, or use the phone number on the back of your credit card.
- When in doubt, hang up and contact TCSO at 512-854-9770 to verify the validity of that call before giving money to anyone.
Jury Duty or Civil Justice Proceedings Scam
The scammer uses the accurate name and rank of a TCSO officer and asserts the resident has failed to show up for jury duty and owes a fine that must be paid immediately to avoid being arrested. The scammer might also pose as a local judge as a scare tactic to “settle” civil proceedings regarding active warrants and failure to appear for a federal jury summons. These scammers even include case and citation numbers that, on first glance, appear legitimate.
Jail Scam
These calls often originate from “Travis County Jail” on the caller ID. The scammer commonly says the resident’s grandchild is in jail. Some scammers even impersonate the grandchild. The scammer often claims the loved one who is in jail caused a car crash and needs money for bond, court costs or victim compensation. The scammer might put an accomplice on the phone who poses as an attorney for the loved one. The scammers might also offer to send a “courier service” to receive payment from the resident to “make sure the money is safe.”
Bank Scam
This scam generally starts with a text message that looks like a typical bank alert. It might also start as a phone call from the “Fraud Department” of a banking institution. The scammer asks the resident to confirm the data on file: driver’s license, social security number, date of birth, account number, etc. The scammer claims the resident’s account has been compromised and the money needs to be secured by withdrawing it and moving it into a safe account. The scammer might provide a new account number opened by the bank that is “safe” or he may direct the resident to deposit money into an ATM using this “safe account” number. The scammer might also recommend the purchase of bulk gold or silver.
The scammer will often offer to send an “agent” to pick the money up from the resident in order to secure it. Very specific instructions regarding how to prepare the cash are also given. If the resident expresses doubt, the caller offers to get a supervisor on the line. The accomplice, posing as a manager, will keep the call going and will press for additional identifying information, stressing the importance of quick action to secure the resident’s funds.
Teleworking/Small Business Scam
This scam originates as a text message or advertisement to earn thousands of dollars a month by working from home. The scammer requires the resident to make an initial investment in the company in order to build the home office and start a business banking account.
Scams that Target College Students
This scam originates as a direct message or friend request on Instagram. The “friend” needs cash, food or help paying a bill. The scammer says he has a check he needs to deposit, but doesn’t have an account. The scammer arranges a meet-up and borrows the victim’s debit card and PIN number. The scammer then deposits a fake check and quickly withdraws as much cash from the account as possible.
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
People frequently don’t report being the victim of a scam due to embarrassment. Please don’t hesitate to report the crime. Scammers rehearse and develop these scams, designing them to generate anxiety and desperation. It can be hard to discern their tactics and you aren’t the only person to be targeted. TCSO detectives work these cases, tracking records and following all leads. Your information helps them identify trends and patterns. These criminals operate in and out of our jurisdiction; many are calling from other countries. TCSO works with the FBI and other agencies throughout the United States to aid in identifying these criminals.