Austin County officials are warning residents about a recent surge in scam attempts involving individuals posing as law enforcement officers. Numerous residents have reported receiving phone calls, emails, and text messages from scammers claiming to be with the Austin County Sheriff’s Office. These fraudulent messages demand payment for alleged outstanding fees, tickets, or warrants.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, some scammers have even used the names of actual deputies to make their claims appear legitimate. The scammers typically request payment through cash cards or online transfers. Authorities stress that the Sheriff’s Office will NEVER contact individuals to demand money.
In addition to these impersonation scams, reports from neighboring counties indicate that fraudsters are also targeting individuals regarding Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Victims have received official-looking documents resembling federal court records, complete with their names, in an attempt to make the scam appear credible. Investigators believe scammers are using publicly available lists of PPP loan recipients to select their targets. However, officials emphasize that federal courts and agencies do not contact individuals via text or email to demand money.
Austin County residents are urged to remain vigilant and to avoid responding to these fraudulent messages. Anyone who receives a suspicious call, text, or email should not send money and should report the incident to local authorities.
For questions or to report potential scams, residents can contact the Austin County Sheriff’s Office at 979-865-3111.
