Scammers are getting bolder and more advanced with their tactics, and the latest scam involves fake bench warrant notifications, according to a December 13 press release from the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office (FBCSO) was recently informed of an ongoing bench warrant scam targeting local residents. Here’s how it works: o They’ll call, text, or email, claiming you have a bench warrant out for your arrest. o They’ll demand immediate payment to “clear” the warrant, often through prepaid cards, wire transfers, or other untraceable methods. o They may impersonate law enforcement officers, even using spoofed numbers to make their calls seem legitimate, and using REAL names and email addresses of Sheriff's Office employees.

Remember: law enforcement will never contact you to demand payment over the phone, FBSO officials said in the press release. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and contact your local police department or court directly. Never provide personal or financial information to unknown callers. Please protect yourself from fraud by refusing to make direct payment to the scammers and to confirm with whom you are speaking. Scammers are prone to using lies, threats, harassment, and intimidation to collect money. Take all measures to identify the company, the collector’s full name, company address and phone number, website, and email address. The FBSO urges citizens to be vigilant, and to share this information to help protect others from falling victim.