Phone scam involves Burnet County Sheriff’s Office
The Burnet County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents that scammers are posing as representatives of the office and asking for money. BCSO recently posted a lengthy alert on its Facebook page detailing the possible signs of a scam and the tactics used by the scammers.
“We have been notified that one or more persons have been contacted by an individual claiming to be a deputy of the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office,” reads the report. “This individual told the victim that they had outstanding arrest warrants and would be arrested if they did not send money electronically.”
These types of calls are always a scam, according to the Sheriff’s Office. BCSO or any other government agency will never demand money over the phone or ask for unconventional forms of payment such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Other red flags of a scam include the caller:
- demanding secrecy;
- mentioning the possibility of winning a prize;
- and mentioning needing to get a loved one out of jail.
The warning post specifically suggests alerting elderly relatives and friends of these potential scams so they know to never send money or give out personal information over the phone or internet in these situations.
These types of crimes are nearly impossible to pursue or prosecute because they often originate from overseas, according to the BCSO.
Call the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 512-756-8080 if you believe you have been targeted by a scam.