A Message from Local Law Enforcement
Sheriff Jack Brandes, and Chief Deputy Watt Walls of the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, want to make sure the public is aware of these ongoing fraud schemes. They urge everyone to stay vigilant and informed about the tactics criminals use to exploit vulnerable individuals. Their goal is to help prevent scams from taking advantage of hard-working citizens and to encourage people to report any suspicious activity. You can download their Public Service Announcement HERE. Read below for additional information from the FBI’s website.

Every day, criminals across the country are devising new ways to steal from innocent Americans. These fraudsters target vulnerable individuals through various scams, from those preying on older Americans to tech support schemes that aim to steal sensitive data. No one is immune, and the tactics used are becoming more sophisticated as technology, including the internet and artificial intelligence, makes it easier to deceive unsuspecting victims.
Common scams include:
• Elder fraud schemes that exploit older Americans’ trust.
• Romance scams that prey on the lonely, offering fake relationships to steal money.
• Charity fraud that capitalizes on people’s desire to help others, especially during crises like natural disasters.
• Ponzi schemes and business cons, where scammers promise low-risk investments that don’t exist.
• Tech support scams, where criminals impersonate IT professionals to gain access to your computer and sensitive information.

In some cases, scammers go as far as impersonating law enforcement officers to exploit victims who have already lost money. Furthermore, cryptocurrency is being used in many fraud schemes, allowing scammers to quickly transfer stolen funds overseas. The goal of these fraudsters is simple: to take your hard-earned money. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself.

 

The best defense against fraud is skepticism. If you receive unsolicited contact, don’t assume that the person on the other end is who they claim to be. Whether it’s a phone call, email, or social media message, always verify before sharing personal information or money.
Be cautious when sharing sensitive details—whether it’s your bank account number, Social Security Number, or other financial information. Scammers often target people who are only familiar with them through online or phone interactions, so it’s important to be extra vigilant.
And most importantly, remember this rule: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Fraudsters often create offers that seem irresistible, but these deals are usually too good to be legitimate.

 

 

What to Do if You’re a Victim of Fraud
If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact the FBI as soon as possible so that they can assist in recovering your losses and work to prevent further scams.
You can report fraud by:
• Calling your local FBI field office – located in Houston
• Reaching out online at tips.fbi.gov
• Reporting online fraud through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
With your help, we can fight back against fraudsters and make sure they no longer profit from their deceitful schemes. Stay alert, stay informed, and help protect yourself and others from becoming victims of fraud.

 

 

Floating Vimeo Video