Texas Sheriff Warns of Law Enforcement Impersonation Cryptocurrency Scam

The Montague County Sheriff's Office in Texas has issued a warning about an increase in sophisticated scams involving individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers. These scammers use fear, intimidation, and urgency to convince victims to send money through cryptocurrency kiosks, Bitcoin ATMs, or digital wallets.

The impostors often identify themselves as deputies, investigators, or federal law enforcement officers and falsely claim the victim has an outstanding warrant, failed to appear for jury duty, or is involved in an ongoing criminal investigation. They instruct victims to make an immediate payment using cryptocurrency to avoid arrest or resolve the alleged issue.

The sheriff's office reminds residents that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not demand payment over the phone and will never threaten immediate arrest if payment is not made. Scammers frequently 'spoof' official phone numbers, making calls appear to come from legitimate government agencies or law enforcement offices.

If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately and do not provide personal or financial information. Do not send cryptocurrency or any other form of payment. Instead, contact the Montague County Sheriff's Office using a verified telephone number to report the incident or verify the caller's claims.