BUDA, Texas — A phone scam is impacting Hays County residents, according to police.
The Buda Police Department said Monday that multiple citizens have reported a scam where a caller says they need a payment and claims to work in law enforcement.
According to police, the scammers tell victims there is a warrant in their name that needs to be paid off and not doing so will result in additional fees.
The scammers say they are police officers or sheriff’s deputies, making the scam more believable by using a fake phone number that appears to be from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. This purposeful act of deception is also known as spoofing.
Victims tell police they were instructed to make payments using cryptocurrency, wire transfer or Bitcoin.
However, the Buda Police Department said law enforcement does not make phone calls to ask for payments. Instead, fees, tickets and fines are paid through court systems on a local level.
Anyone who receives a spoof call should not make payments or share any personal details. Call 512-393-7896 to report any incidents to the Hays County Dispatch.