Bellville, Texas – The Bellville Police Department has recently issued a warning to local residents about a prevalent scam that has been targeting the community. Unscrupulous individuals are making fraudulent phone calls, falsely claiming to represent the Bellville Police Department and the FBI, and informing unsuspecting victims that they have an active warrant. The scammers then attempt to extort money or personal information from the victims.

In an official statement, the Bellville Police Department urged residents to exercise caution and not to fall victim to these fraudulent calls. The department emphasized that they would never request money or personal information over the phone, especially not in relation to outstanding warrants.

“We have received information that our agency name is being used in conjunction with the FBI in phone calls made to local residents, telling them that they have an active warrant out of our agency. DO NOT GIVE ANY MONEY NOR ANY INFORMATION TO ANYONE PRETENDING TO BE THE BELLVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT TELLING YOU THAT YOU HAVE A WARRANT, SIMPLY HANG UP,” the police warning stated emphatically.

 

This scam is a disturbing example of criminals exploiting public trust in law enforcement institutions to carry out their illicit activities. By impersonating authorities, the scammers aim to create fear and panic among unsuspecting individuals, coercing them into complying with their demands.

To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, the Bellville Police Department recommends the following precautions:

  1. Be skeptical of unsolicited calls: If you receive a call claiming to be from the Bellville Police Department or any other law enforcement agency, be cautious. Remember, legitimate authorities will never demand money or personal information over the phone.
  2. Verify the caller’s identity: If you have doubts about the authenticity of a call, ask for the caller’s name, badge number, and department affiliation. Hang up and independently verify the information by contacting the Bellville Police Department directly using their official phone number:  (979) 865-3122  or visiting their official website.
  3. Guard personal information: Never share sensitive personal information, such as social security numbers, bank account details, or credit card information, over the phone unless you have initiated the call and are confident in the other party’s identity.
  4. Report suspicious activity: If you receive one of these scam calls or believe you may have been a victim of fraud, report the incident to the Bellville Police Department immediately. By doing so, you can help law enforcement authorities track down the perpetrators and prevent others from falling into their trap.

The Bellville Police Department is actively working with local and federal agencies to investigate these fraudulent calls and bring those responsible to justice. They also aim to raise awareness about this scam within the community, ensuring that residents remain vigilant and well-informed.

By sharing this information with friends, family, and neighbors, you can contribute to the fight against scams and protect the community from falling victim to these unscrupulous schemes. Remember, knowledge and awareness are powerful tools in combating fraud, and by staying informed, you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones.

If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the Bellville Police Department or encounter any form of scam, do not hesitate to contact the authorities immediately. Together, we can stand against these fraudulent activities and maintain a safe and secure community.

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