The holiday season can also be scam season, and the Lockhart Police Department is warning the community to be on the lookout for the latest phone scam that is reportedly making the rounds.
Officers are aware of incidents in which callers have contacted community members claiming to be with Lockhart Police Department. The law enforcement impersonator may:
• Refer to the individual by name
• Tell the individual the call is being recorded
• Tell the individual a warrant is out for their arrest, or that they are wanted for a crime
• Give the individual a phone number that the caller says is to a legal office
• If you call the “legal office,” they may say you need to send money to settle a debt or face potential arrest
The scam may involve spoofing a legitimate police phone number and using the real name of a police officer in an attempt to gain the victim’s trust.
“The Lockhart Police Department does not call individuals and demand or request money from community members under any circumstances,” Chief Ernest Pedraza said. “While we may call community members about warrants, we do not call seeking payment by phone for outstanding traffic citations, warrants, or any claims of unpaid taxes or debts. Nor would we refer members of the public to an attorney’s office.”
To avoid being the victim of holiday season scams:
• Never give personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller or e-mailer
• Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment.
• Update your privacy settings on social media sites. Scammers may troll for personal information on Facebook, Twitter and similar sites.
To report a phone scam, please call the Lockhart Police Department at (512) 398-4401.