BURNET — Sheriff’s investigators apparently foiled the latest phone scam after several residents reported receiving a call from a “deputy” who threatened them with jail time for missing jury duty.
On Jan. 30, the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office received a number of phone calls from concerned residents as well as district court personnel in Burnet County.
“We received four calls here at the sheriff’s office in about two hours,” BCSO Capt. Chris Jett said. “The district court called over here and stated they were starting to get calls about people missing jury duty.”
The callers reported that a “Deputy James Henderson” had called them and explained that they had failed to show up for jury duty and there was a warrant for their arrest. They could avoid jail time by getting a pre-paid credit card and paying a fine over the phone.
BCSO staff turned the tables on the caller claiming to be “Deputy James Henderson” by inundating the number, (830) 953-1108, with requests for call backs.
“We don’t have a deputy by that name. There was a very legitimate-sounding voice mail (at the number). Now, the phone number is disconnected,” Jett said. “We were able to establish that the phone number is a voice-over IP (internet phone), so they literally could be anywhere in the world.”
Authorities applauded residents for following up with the agency and cautioned others to do the same.
“A legitimate law enforcement agency is not going to demand payment for a warrant over the phone,” he said. “If there’s any doubt, hang up and call us.”
Also, any questions about jury summonses should be directed to the Burnet County District Clerk’s Office at (512) 756-5450.
News stories, staff photos, and other online content are copyrighted property of Victory Media. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.
This Content Submission and License Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Victory Media Marketing LLC (“Company,” “we,” or “us”) and you (“User,” “you,” or “Submitter”) upon your submission of content through our websites’ See it, Share It form.
Submitted Content “Submitted Content” means any news tips, text, descriptions, images, photographs, videos, audio files, recordings, or other materials you upload, submit, or provide to us via the news tips forms on DailyTrib.com, KBEYfm.com, 101highlandlakes.com, or any other websites owned or operated by Victory Media Marketing LLC.
License Grant By submitting any Submitted Content, you hereby grant to Company a worldwide, non- exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, display, and otherwise exploit the Submitted Content in any form or medium (now known or hereafter developed), including but not limited to:
Publishing on DailyTrib.com, KBEYfm.com, 101highlandlakes.com, other Company websites, apps, newsletters, and social media platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.).
Editing, formatting, or combining with other content for news, promotional, archival, or commercial purposes.
Allowing third parties (e.g., affiliates, syndication partners) to use it under the same terms. You retain ownership of the copyright in your Submitted Content, subject to the license granted above.
User Representations and Warranties You represent and warrant that:
You are at least 18 years old and have the full right and authority to grant the rights in this Agreement.
The Submitted Content is your original work or you have obtained all necessary permissions, consents, and releases (including from any individuals appearing in photos/videos or owners of any third-party materials).
The Submitted Content does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights, privacy rights, publicity rights, or defame any person.
It complies with all applicable laws and does not contain viruses, malware, or prohibited content.
You will not submit false, misleading, or confidential information.
No Compensation You understand and agree that you will receive no compensation for the submission or use of your Submitted Content.
Indemnification You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Company, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, liabilities, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your breach of this Agreement or any third-party claims related to your Submitted Content.
Moral Rights and Publicity You waive any moral rights or rights of attribution in the Submitted Content to the extent permitted by law. Company may use your name, username, or likeness in connection with the Submitted Content if applicable.
Termination and Removal Company may, in its sole discretion, edit, refuse to post, or remove any Submitted Content at any time without notice. This Agreement survives any termination.
Governing Law This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Burnet County, Texas.
Entire Agreement This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements. Modifications must be in writing. By submitting content, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.
BURNET — Sheriff’s investigators apparently foiled the latest phone scam after several residents reported receiving a call from a “deputy” who threatened them with jail time for missing jury duty.