Scam awareness

Note from Publisher: With the use of advanced technology, the ability to spoof telephone numbers, fake people’s voices through AI, and get knowledge about a person’s information online it is becoming increasingly hard to detect whether something is spam. It is always best to not immediately give any incoming call, social media message, or email personal information or payment. Instead, get their information and call the listed telephone number in a phone book or the actual agency’s website to verify whether a particular office called you. Scams like this one in Bowie County are becoming common.

The Bowie County Sheriff ’s Office has received reports of a familiar SCAM that is targeting Bowie County citizens. Victims are receiving telephone calls from a local number that matches the main number for the Bowie County Sheriff ’s Office (903.798.3149). This number is being “spoofed.”

During the call, the SCAMMER claims to be a Deputy with our Office and demands payment for outstanding fines or for missing jury duty. The SCAM then requires the victim to purchase Bitcoin, prepaid gift cards, or similar electronic payment forms. Once these types of purchases are made, the SCAMMER then asks for the card numbers to verify payment. Once the card information or electronic confirmation numbers are provided to the SCAMMER, there is usually no way for investigators to identify the suspect.

Please remember…The Bowie County Sheriffs Office will NEVER CALL AND DEMAND MONEY IN LIEU OF ARREST. We also do not accept any payments over the phone. This is a SCAM. If you have any doubt or concern, advise the caller that you will contact your local law enforcement agency yourself. We can determine if you are the victim of a potential SCAM. Our office numbers are 903-798-3149 and 903628-6815. DO NOT PURCHASE OR PROVIDE ACCESS TO FINANCES OVER THE PHONE.