FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scam Alert: Fake Calls from “Law Enforcement and Other County Officials"

[Collin County, Texas] – January 15, 2025 – The Collin County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a troubling increase in scam calls from individuals impersonating law enforcement officers and other county officials. These fraudsters are using threats and false information to manipulate victims into providing money or personal information.

How the Scam Works:

• Scammers claim you have a legal issue, such as missed jury duty, a court appearance, unpaid fine, failure to respond to a subpoena, or a warrant for your arrest.
• They frequently use the names of real deputies, judges, and other elected officials and “spoof" their caller ID to appear as if they are contacting you from a law enforcement agency or county office.
• The call often comes from a blocked number, with instructions to call back a different number.
• Some scammers send fake credentials or forged warrants via text or email to appear more credible.
• Using fear and intimidation, they demand payment through unconventional means such as gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
• They even demand you stay on the phone with them and not hang up.

Important Reminder from the Sheriff's Office:

Law enforcement will never:

• Call you to inform you about a warrant for your arrest.
• Warn you that you have a legal matter to resolve.
• Claim we attempted to serve a subpoena and failed, then ask for payment to “resolve" the situation.

If you have a warrant, we won't call to notify you or give warnings; we will find you and take appropriate action.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Hang up. Don't engage with callers who claim to be law enforcement and demand payment.
• Report ongoing scams. Notify your local police department's non-emergency line if you continue receiving harassing calls.
• Screen your calls. Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Legitimate messages can be reviewed safely later.
• When in doubt. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a claim, look up the correct county office on our official website, then call or email directly for verification. Never use the number provided by the scammer.​

Key Message:

No legitimate law enforcement agency or county office will ever call and demand money or threaten arrest over the phone. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.

We urge all residents of Collin County to remain vigilant and share this information to prevent others from falling victim to these scams.

Reporting Scams:

If you would like to report a scam or believe you have fallen victim to one, please complete the Scam Alert Form.

• If you have sent money to a scammer, fill out the form first and then contact us via our non-emergency number at 972-547-5350.

Stay alert and help us protect our community from these fraudulent activities.​