Author: Josh Swain

************ MORE SCAM INFORMATION ***************

The scammers are still at it. This time, they have some very convincing tactics.

They have identified themselves as BCSO deputies, they are even using the names of some of our actual deputies, AND they have spoofed our phone number.

The current scam revolves around jury duty. In Texas, you will not be subject to a fine for failing to answer a jury summons unless a judge assesses that fine at a hearing. In other words, the person who tells you that you owe money will be a JUDGE at an in-person hearing. It will NEVER be a deputy or other government official talking to you on the phone.

Further, the MAXIMUM fine is $1,000.00. Demands for payment above this are not only a scam, but a ridiculous one.

REMEMBER THIS DEAD GIVEAWAY that the call is a scam:

They use high-pressure tactics to convince you to pay them using a means of instant payment that is difficult or impossible to trace.

ALWAYS REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:

1) Governmental agencies and other public entities (like utility companies) will not harass you for immediate payment over the phone.

2) There is NO REASON for a legitimate government or business entity (even a debt collector) to demand that you use payment methods outside the normal banking and finance system. Any of the following are commonly used to transfer money as part of the scam because they are virtually instant, there are few (or no) consumer protections, and the money is difficult or impossible to trace.

a. Money transfer cards

b. Gift cards

c. BitCoin or other Cryptocurrency

d. Any combination of the above

3) NEVER CALL THEM BACK USING A NUMBER THEY PROVIDED OR THE NUMNER ON THE CALLER ID. Look up the entity they claim to be and call that entity with the number YOU found. If you can’t find a number, call your local law enforcement agency.

***** SCAM ALERT *****

We have been notified that one or more persons have been contacted by an individual claiming to be Sergeant Walker from the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office .

This individual told the victim that they had pending misdemeanor charges for missing jury duty and needed to report to 220 S. Pierce to take of the charges. Another victim was told to pay through a money pac card.

These calls are ALWAYS A SCAM.

No agency of government will demand payment by gift card or other difficult-to-trace methods.

If you ever receive a call like this that claims to be from BCSO, a utility company, or any other police or government agency, hang up on them. If you are still concerned about the call, contact the agency directly, or contact someone you trust to help you figure it out.

Phone numbers for any utility service or branch of government are really available on the Internet. Look them up yourselves and contact that entity directly. Never use the phone number given to you by the person that called you.

Different versions of this scam include claims that some payment is needed for a package delivery, or to secure a prize, or to get a loved one out of jail, and so on and so on….

Often, the scammer will demand secrecy and insist that the victim not discuss the transaction with anyone. This is the biggest red-flag of all.

If you have elderly friends or relatives, please speak to them about these scams and urge them to never send money over the phone by any means.

Finally, if you or your loved ones are unable to decide whether a call is a scam or not, contact your local police agency at their published non-emergency office number.

For our Burnet County residents, that number is 512-756-8080.

DO NOT SEND MONEY USING GIFT CARDS OR MONEY-TRANSFER CARDS/SERVICES.

Once the money is transferred, it will most likely be re-transferred out of the country and will be unrecoverable.

The origin of these scams is usually overseas…. Which means the investigation is essentially a dead end and nobody will be held accountable.

We would like to express our continued support from The National Rifle Association. For several years now we have been recipients of a Grant provided by the NRA. The support has allowed us to purchase necessary equipment to help train our Deputies and outfit them properly for their duties. We will continue to support the NRA in their efforts.

The Burnet County Sheriff’s Office was honored to be recognized by Mrs. Kneese’s 5th grade class. Mrs. Kneese’s class created a hand drawn poster giving thanks to the Sheriff’s Office for their Day of Service Project. Thank you!