Schertz PD warns of new phone scam called ‘spoofing’

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — There is a new scam going around and the Schertz Police Department wants you to be aware of it.

In this case, it is a variation of another long-running scam involving a fake police officer or law enforcement official that demands money to take care of a fake warrant.

On Thursday, SPD took a call from someone saying they were called by a person who identified themself as both a Schertz police officer and a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The potential victim was told his identity had been compromised and that it was necessary for him to log on to a website to give personal information.

Adding to the apparent validity of the call was the fact the numbers used lined up with the agencies identified by the scammer. This practice of disguising the caller ID is known as “spoofing.”

But Schertz Police Chief Jim Lowery is urging you not to buy it should you get a similar call.

“Although scammers can be very convincing, the best way for someone to protect themselves from these scams is to simply hang up,” said Chief Lowry. “Don’t be intimidated into providing personal details or financial information.”

As a policy, Chief Lowry adds that actual officers will not ask for that type of information over the phone.

Anyone who has been the victim of a scam should notify their financial institutions and report it to their local police department.

The Schertz Police Department can be reached at 210-619-1200.