Public Service Announcement - PHONE SCAM ALERT 0124

EL PASO, TX - The El Paso County Sheriff's Office has received several calls from El Paso citizens harassed by scammers impersonating Sheriff's Office employees attempting to defraud victims monetarily. The Phone Scamer states that the individual/victim has outstanding warrants and must pay $4,000.00, or he will be arrested. They instructed the victim to purchase pre-paid cards for $500.00 each so that they could clear their warrants.

The Sheriff's Office would also like to remind citizens that they will never be contacted by phone requesting payment for missed jury duty summons, unpaid tickets, or outstanding criminal warrants. Additionally, citizens are encouraged NOT to exchange any personal or financial information over the phone. The public can call the Sheriff's Office Warrants Unit to confirm if there is an outstanding warrant in their name by calling 915-546- 2214. For any matters relating to jury duty, please contact 915-546-8102.

If anyone has been a victim of these scams, please contact the proper authorities. El Paso Police Department's non-emergency number is 915-832-4400, and El Paso County Sheriff's Office's non-emergency number is 915-832-4408.