Bexar County Residents: How to Avoid Losing Money to Jury Duty Scams

Beware of the Jury Duty Scam: What You Need to Know

Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is sounding the alarm after a resident was duped into losing $25,000 to a scammer posing as a law enforcement official. The victim was falsely informed that she owed money due to an alleged missed jury duty appearance, a claim that was entirely fabricated. This incident marks one of the highest reported losses associated with such scams in the county's recent history.

How the Scam Works

In this alarming case, the scammer employed advanced tactics to impersonate the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, using spoof technology to disguise the call's origin. According to Sheriff Javier Salazar, the scammer went as far as to send a deceptive text message that looked like a legitimate warrant. The caller utilized aggressive pressure tactics, insisting that the victim was under a gag order that prevented her from contacting friends or family.

As part of this elaborate scheme, the woman was coerced into visiting a convenience store to purchase $25,000 worth of bitcoin under the assumption that it was necessary to resolve the warrant. "No legitimate law enforcement agency will demand payment in bitcoin or any other form over the phone," Sheriff Salazar reiterated, emphasizing the district's integrity. "We will never call you to demand money to clear a warrant. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately."

How to Protect Yourself from Jury Duty Scams

Reports indicate that many Bexar County residents have encountered similar scams, often involving demands for payment ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. The Central Jury Services Department has confirmed that they will never contact individuals about missing jury duty via phone calls. Instead, official notifications are sent out through postal mail, outlining definitive next steps.

If you get a call of this nature, it is crucial to hang up and verify the information independently. The proper protocol for cases involving jury duty is straightforward: if a resident misses their assigned duty, they will receive a formal notification by mail, not a threatening call. The sheriff’s office is actively working to assist the victim in recovering her funds and urges anyone who receives suspicious calls to report them to dispatch at (210) 335-6000.

The Importance of Community Awareness

As scams increase in sophistication, community awareness plays a vital role in safeguarding residents. The sheriff's office has emphasized the importance of sharing these warnings among friends and family to prevent further victimization. "It’s imperative that we come together as a community to recognize and address these scams before they can do damage," Sheriff Salazar stated.

This recent incident is a stark reminder of the lengths that scammers will go to exploit vulnerabilities, particularly during times of stress or confusion. By remaining vigilant and informed, residents can protect themselves and help foster a safer community.

What to Do if You Are Targeted

In the event that you fall victim to a scam, it is important to take immediate action. Contact your bank and report the fraudulent transaction, and don’t hesitate to file an official report with local law enforcement. Additionally, taking steps to educate yourself on common scams can empower you against future threats. Informing your peers about this scam can amplify the effort to thwart scammers, making it more challenging for them to succeed.

A proactive approach to fraud prevention can make all the difference in protecting not only your own financial well-being but also that of others in your community. Keeping abreast of local news and alerts is essential; consider subscribing to channels like KENS 5 for the latest news and updates. Together, we can combat these unlawful activities and reinforce the foundations of trust within our neighborhoods.