Scam Calls Targeting Collin County Residents
A new wave of scam calls is targeting Collin County residents, with fraudsters impersonating local law enforcement officers and county officials to solicit money, according to the Collin County Sheriff’s Office.
A social media post on the sheriff’s Facebook page is warning residents about the scheme in which anonymous callers claim the person on the other end has missed jury duty, has outstanding warrants or owes fines before demanding payment or threatening arrest.
These scams are designed to create panic and pressure individuals into quickly complying with the demands of the person making the call, officials say.
How the Scam Works
The fraudsters will often invoke the real names of local officials, including Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner, to convince the target that the call is legit and to gain credibility.
“I got a call from someone saying they are Brian Ward from the Collin County Sheriff’s Office. My husband called and reported it,” commented Kim Albritton Pladsen, on the sheriff’s office Facebook post.
The criminals may spoof caller ID to display the name of a legitimate law enforcement or county office, making the call appear authentic, the sheriff’s office said.
Calls frequently come from blocked numbers, and victims are often instructed to call back a different number, according to the post.
In some cases, scammers send fake credentials or forged documents via text or email to bolster their claims, the sheriff’s office says.
“Just got a scam call from Sgt Pope. The phone number is out of Rockwall. Just checked with my SRO at my campus and she confirmed it’s a scam,” Heather Steven wrote in the post.
Victims are typically pressured to use unconventional methods such as gift cards, online apps, cryptocurrency or wire transfers to make the required payment.
And the callers may insist that victims stay on the phone and not hang up, the post says.
“Law enforcement will never call to demand money or threaten arrest,” the sheriff’s office said in its social media post to warn residents about the scheme. “Officers will not notify you by phone about warrants, subpoenas, or missed jury duty.”
Red Flags to Watch Out For
There are several red flags to watch out for when receiving a suspicious call. If the caller is demanding payment or threatening arrest, it is likely a scam. Additionally, if the caller is asking for personal or financial information, it is best to hang up and report the call to the authorities.
It is also important to be cautious of calls that come from blocked numbers or numbers that are not recognized. These calls can be spoofed to appear as if they are coming from a legitimate source, but they are often scams.
How to Protect Yourself
The Collin County Sheriff’s Office advises hanging up immediately if a suspicious call is received. The person should report ongoing scam calls to their local police department’s nonemergency line.
Screen calls and let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Verify any claims by contacting the county office directly, using information from the official website, rather than relying on numbers provided by callers, authorities say.
It is also important to be aware of the tactics used by scammers and to educate others about the dangers of these scams. By being informed and cautious, residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to these scams.
If You Need to Report a Scam
Collin County authorities advise potential victims to complete the Scam Alert Form on the sheriff’s office website if they have lost money through one of the schemes by completing the document and contacting the nonemergency number at 972-547-5350.
Reporting scams is an important step in preventing others from falling victim to the same scam. By reporting scams, residents can help the authorities to track down and prosecute the scammers, and to prevent further scams from occurring.
Conclusion
Scam calls can be a serious threat to residents of Collin County, and it is essential to be aware of the tactics used by scammers and to take steps to protect yourself. By being informed and cautious, residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to these scams.
Remember, law enforcement will never call to demand money or threaten arrest. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and report it to the authorities. Stay safe and stay informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious call?
A: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and report it to the authorities. Do not provide any personal or financial information, and do not make any payments.
Q: How can I protect myself from scam calls?
A: To protect yourself from scam calls, screen calls and let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Verify any claims by contacting the county office directly, using information from the official website, rather than relying on numbers provided by callers.
Q: What should I do if I have lost money to a scam?
A: If you have lost money to a scam, complete the Scam Alert Form on the sheriff’s office website and contact the nonemergency number at 972-547-5350. Reporting scams is an important step in preventing others from falling victim to the same scam.
Q: How can I educate others about scam calls?
A: To educate others about scam calls, share information about the tactics used by scammers and the importance of being cautious and informed. Encourage others to report suspicious calls and to verify any claims before making any payments.
