Harris County, Texas, officials have issued a warning about scammers impersonating county employees and making fraudulent calls regarding jury duty. Residents have been targeted with alarming threats about arrest warrants that stem from missed jury service.
One victim, a Houston resident who wishes to remain anonymous, reported losing $8,000 to these scammers. He recounted receiving a call from someone claiming to be with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, who alleged that there was a warrant for his arrest for failing to appear for jury duty in a federal case. During the conversation, the scammer offered a way to avoid arrest by paying a cash surety bond through a business they recommended.
Following the instructions given, the victim was directed to meet a bondsman in a CVS parking lot near Montrose and Richmond. However, he quickly realized he had been duped when his attempts to confirm the legitimacy of the bondsman’s contact information led to a bounced email and a missing person. When he reported these concerns to the caller, the line went dead.
Reflecting on his experience, the victim expressed regret over not recognizing the warning signs during a moment of panic. “It all seemed very legitimate, and I didn’t see the red flags that were clearly there,” he said.
The bondsman named in this scheme, ASAP Bail Bonds in Houston, has denounced the scammers’ tactics. The owner emphasized that the bail bond industry does not operate in such a manner and advised potential victims to verify any claims through official channels. “If someone tells you there is a warrant and demands payment over the phone, that should raise a red flag,” he stated.
He recommended that residents reach out directly to Harris County to check for warrants and verify information rather than relying on unsolicited phone calls. “Always call the office number of a bail bond company directly; do not trust any card or contact provided by someone you don’t recognize,” the owner advised.
Authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant against such scams and to report any suspicious calls or activities. Scammers often prey on anxiety and urgency, leveraging fear to exploit unsuspecting victims.
Residents are encouraged to take proactive measures in safeguarding their personal information and to seek help from local law enforcement if they believe they have fallen prey to fraud.
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