Scam Alert: Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Warns Residents About Ongoing Bench Warrant Scam
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO) has issued a warning to local residents regarding an ongoing bench warrant scam targeting unsuspecting community members. The scam, which has been gaining traction in the area, involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officers and attempting to defraud residents by falsely claiming that they have outstanding bench warrants for their arrest.
How the Scam Works
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to convince people they have a bench warrant out for their arrest. Victims report receiving calls, texts, or emails from individuals claiming to be representatives of the Sheriff’s Office. These fraudsters often go as far as spoofing legitimate phone numbers and using the real names and email addresses of Sheriff's Office employees to make their communications appear more authentic.
Once contact is made, the scammers demand immediate payment to "clear" the alleged warrant, often insisting that victims pay through prepaid cards, wire transfers, or other untraceable methods. These pressure tactics may involve threats of arrest, further legal consequences, or even jail time if the payment is not made immediately.
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Key Warning Signs
The FBCSO is reminding residents to stay alert for several telltale signs that indicate a scam:
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Demands for Immediate Payment: Law enforcement will never call or email to demand payment over the phone.
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Untraceable Payment Methods: Scammers often ask for payments via untraceable means such as wire transfers or prepaid cards.
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Spoofed Phone Numbers and Fake Emails: Fraudsters may impersonate real law enforcement officers by using spoofed phone numbers or legitimate names and contact information from the Sheriff’s Office to add credibility to their schemes.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
If you receive a call, text, or email claiming you have a bench warrant or threatening legal action, the FBCSO advises you to take the following steps:
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Hang Up and Verify: If you are in doubt, immediately hang up and contact your local police department or court directly to verify the legitimacy of the claim.
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Never Share Personal Information: Do not provide any personal, financial, or payment information to unknown callers.
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Report the Incident: If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, contact the FBCSO or your local law enforcement agency to report the incident.
VIEW SAMPLE FAKE BENCH WARRANT
"Scammers will use all sorts of threats, lies, and intimidation to try and force victims into making payments," said the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office in their warning. "We want to remind residents that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone. Always take steps to protect yourself and your personal information."
Stay Vigilant and Protect Yourself
Residents are urged to stay vigilant and share information about the scam with family, friends, and neighbors to prevent others from falling victim. The FBCSO also encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or communications to law enforcement immediately.
For more information or if you suspect you have been targeted, contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office directly or visit their website for additional resources.
By remaining informed and cautious, residents can help protect themselves and their community from these types of fraudulent schemes.
Contact Information
Residents are reminded to never give out personal or financial details to anyone they don't know, and to verify any information that seems suspicious. Your safety and security are always a top priority.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
