Recently, the San Saba Police Department has responded to several complaints of scam callers who appear to be targeting San Saba residents. The scammers claim that victims are under investigation by the police department and they need to pay up to resolve the situation.
The scammers call from a “spoofed” city number, in many cases it appears to be the San Saba Dispatch phone number, and claim the victim is under investigation. The victim is then asked for payment and to send money via a cash card or credit card to “resolve the fake investigation.”
The San Saba Police Department would like to remind citizens that the department doesn’t call and demand money under any circumstances. To keep from becoming a victim of this type of crime, please keep in mind the following:
• Never give a credit, debit or pre-paid cash card number over the phone. Individuals claiming to collect debts may try to instill fear in potential victims to persuade them to send money.
• Never give out personal or financial information (bank account numbers, social security numbers, PayPal info, etc.)
• Scammers tend to prey upon the elderly but these crimes can impact all ages.
• Education is the best prevention for scams. The FBI has a web site continuously updated on the latest phone, mail and Internet scams.
(https://www.fbi.gov/howwe- can- help- you/ safety- resources/ scams-and-safety) Please take a few extra minutes to talk to family members and friends about how to avoid being a victim. If you need to speak to an officer or fall victim to this scam, contact the SSPD’s non-emergency number at (325) 372-5144 to file a police report.