East Texas Police Warn of New Impersonation Scam

(KNUE-FM) Life in East Texas is pretty good, although lately there has been a new annoyance that has popped up and it’s creating quite the headache for law enforcement officers. There are new scams that are sweeping across our area and I’ve seen posts about these scams on social media made by the Lindale Police Department and Palestine Police Department both within the past week.

As if our law enforcement officers don’t have a difficult enough job, now there are people that are impersonating officers in an attempt to get money or personal information. It’s both sad and infuriating knowing that this type of scam is going on here, but I want to make sure you know the details so you don’t become the next victim.

Details From Palestine Police About the Jury Duty Scam

The Palestine Police Department posted about a jury duty scam last week, telling the victim they are from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and they missed jury duty so there is a warrant out for their arrest. The scammers say there is a $15,000 bond that must be paid and instructs the victim to take the cash from their account with directions to leave the money in a specific location.

How Scammers Are Spoofing Police Phone Numbers

The Lindale Police Department posted about scammers that have “spoofed” their phone number so it looks legit. Similar to the other scam, the scammers will then ask for money or request documents to be signed.

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What Real Officers Will—and Won’t—Do

Both law enforcement agencies say that they will NEVER reach out to citizens like this, and you’re instructed to not send any personal information or money.

If an officer has any sort of warrant or official business, they will be in person in uniform, with proper identification.

Please share this information with friends and family, especially elderly relatives who might be more vulnerable to these scams.

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Gallery Credit: Tara Holley

Source: East Texas Police Warn of New Officer Impersonation Scams

Categories: East Texas News