The Collin County Sheriff's Office in McKinney, Texas, warned residents amidst an ongoing battle against phone scammers impersonating law enforcement personnel. These scammers attempt to deceive individuals into parting with their money by using names such as Lt. Brian Ward and falsely claiming affiliation with the sheriff's office. Notably, the office clarified that there is no Lt. Hendricks on their staff, underscoring the fraudulent nature of these calls.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and vigilance when receiving unsolicited calls. In a statement released by the sheriff's office, individuals are advised to disconnect from suspicious calls promptly and refrain from engaging or returning calls to the provided numbers. Instead, residents are encouraged to independently verify the legitimacy of such communications by contacting the sheriff's office at 972-547-5100.
Authorities emphasize the need for community awareness to mitigate the risk of falling victim to these scams. They highlight the importance of recognizing misleading terminology; legitimate law enforcement entities identify themselves as the "Sheriff's Office," not the "Sheriff's Department." This distinction serves as a red flag for potential scams.
This warning from the Collin County Sheriff's Office echoes past concerns raised by the McKinney Police Department. In a separate incident on March 31, 2023, a McKinney resident was targeted in a scam involving a request for payment via Bitcoin.
According to authorities, scammers are adept at posing as government agencies, using official phone numbers and even impersonating government employees. Victims are coerced into transferring funds under false pretenses, resulting in significant financial losses.
Remember: “Law enforcement will not demand money over the phone for processes, summons, or any other reason,” as stated in the official statement.
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