On August 8, 2024, the Schertz Police Department received a report from a citizen who had been contacted by someone claiming to be both a U.S. Border Patrol Agent and a Schertz Police Officer. The phone numbers displayed during the call matched the official numbers of the Schertz Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol. The caller informed the citizen that their identity had been compromised and instructed them to go online and fill out a form with their personal information.
A variation of this scam involves threatening victims with arrest unless they pay immediately for an outstanding warrant. Scammers often use the names of real agents, deputies, or police officers, and they disguise their phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from a legitimate local, state, or federal law enforcement agency. This tactic, known as "spoofing," is used to deceive victims.
Police Chief Jim Lowery advised the public, stating, “Although scammers can be very convincing, the best way for someone to protect themselves from these scams is to simply hang up. Don’t be intimidated into providing personal details or financial information. Real officers are not going to ask for that type of information over the phone.”
Victims of such scams are encouraged to notify their financial institutions and report the incident to their local police department. The Schertz Police Department can be reached at 210-619-1200.
