Phone scams have increased in recent weeks with spoofed phone numbers. Number spoofing is when a caller uses technology to display a different number than they are actually calling from to mask their true identity.
Recent phone scams appear to come from local law enforcement agencies. The scammers are claiming to be high-ranking members of law enforcement requesting payments to avoid arrest for warrants, missed jury duty and other violations. Scammers are requesting credit card information or making payment through cash apps. These are scams. If you receive such a call, you should not provide any information and hang up.
Be aware you will never be asked by law enforcement to:
- Provide credit card information over the phone.
- Provide payment with gift cards.
- Provide payment through any app.
- Withdraw cash and go somewhere to pay.
If you receive suspicious phone calls requesting personal information and payment to avoid arrest from someone claiming to be law enforcement, disconnect from the phone call. You can contact UTPD or your local law enforcement agency and report the suspicious call.
UT Police is available to our community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Never hesitate to contact the police department by dialing 911, 210-567-8911 or 210-567-2800. UT Police can also be contacted through the UT Health SAfe mobile safety app, available for free download for Apple and Android users.