Special to the PRESS
OLMITO, TX—Cameron County Sheriff Eric Garza issued a warning last week, informing the public of scams involving Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and sheriff’s office imposters.
In a social media post, the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) noted that it has come to the attention of law enforcement that scammers are targeting individuals by falsely claiming to represent the (CCSO). These impostors are reaching out to people, reads the post, alleging that they have failed to report for jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid legal consequences. Additionally, scammers are using the claim of nonpayment of federal taxes as another tactic in these fraudulent calls.
The sheriff’s office says that the public should note that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media platforms to request personal or financial information, and if individuals receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, that they should not provide those making contact with any personal information, especially over the phone.
“Our community’s safety is of utmost importance, and we want to bring to your attention a concerning issue,” remarked Garza.
For verification purposes, it is advisable to directly contact the Cameron County clerk’s office to authenticate any communication regarding jury duty, says the Sheriff. Similarly, for any federal tax-related concerns, the CCSO recommends directly contacting the IRS for verification and assistance.
The public is also advised that the CCSO, or any legitimate law enforcement agency, will not contact individuals in such a manner. “We do not request payments over the phone, especially for matters related to jury duty or paying federal taxes. If you receive such a call, it is crucial that you do not provide any personal information or make any payments,” the post reads. “Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any concerns or if you encounter suspicious activity,” according to CCSO officials.
Officials stress that the public’s cooperation is essential in maintaining the safety and security of the community. The CCSO is also asking citizens to share this information with friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim to these scams. The Sheriff also thanked the public for it vigilance and assistance in keeping the community safe.
The CCSO’s statement concludes by once again stating that the public should beware of fraudulent calls claiming to be from CCSO employees. Stressing that scammers are targeting unsuspecting individuals, impersonating trusted law enforcement officials in attempts to deceive and defraud.
“It’s crucial to exercise caution and skepticism when receiving such calls, as the CCSO would never solicit personal information or demand payment over the phone,” reads the CCSO Facebook post. “Stay vigilant, and if you suspect a scam, report it immediately to protect yourself and others from falling victim to these malicious schemes,” the post concludes.
For more information, contact the CCSO at (956) 554-6700 or the CCSO Harlingen location at (956) 412-1402.
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