Tyler Police warn residents of potential scam calls

TYLER — Tyler Police are out with a warning about scam phone calls targeting elderly victims. According to a news release from the department, the scammers will claim to be local, state, or federal law enforcement. They are asking victims to withdraw money to purchase gift cards, Green Dot cards, or deposit money into crypto currency (Bitcoin) ATMs.

In a recent case that was reported to Tyler PD, the victim was contacted by a person claiming to be with the sheriff’s office telling her she had a federal warrant for her arrest for missing jury duty. They even provided the victim with a copy of a fake warrant of arrest from a US District Court with her name on it. The victim received the call from a “spoofed” phone number indicating it was from Smith County 911. A person identified themselves as a Sergeant and gave a badge number to further the scam. They told her they would arrest her if she didn’t pay the money. They even connected the caller to their supervisor, adding another person to help try and legitimize the scam.

Officials say, no matter what number shows to be calling you, no law enforcement agency will have you pay money to them directly to clear your name or cover a bond for a warrant you might have. You should never purchase gift cards or deposit money into crypto currency ATMs at the request from someone over the phone or the computer. These cases are extremely challenging for local law enforcement due to their sophistication and measures the scammers use to hide their identity. They are commonly perpetrated by people in foreign countries making the identification of offenders even more difficult. Scammers are always changing their tactics and can target anyone.

Please do not withdraw money from your bank account for anyone who calls you and requests you to. Hang up and contact your financial institution or your local law enforcement agency directly, so you can verify who you are speaking with over the phone.