05/06/2026
Just when you think you have seen it all something else comes along.
This last weekend in Aransas County someone posing as an FBI agent investigating a local bank contacted a local resident. The “agent” instructed our resident to pull over $20,000 from her bank, photograph it, place it in a box, and stand by while he had a "UBER driver” pick it up.
Upon hearing this report, we confirmed it was a scam. The victim provided photos that allowed us to identify the vehicles and drivers involved. The investigation tracked the drivers and money to a hotel in Portland, TX. In partnership with officials in Portland, we succeeded in recovering the funds.
Portland Police identified the suspect later in the day when he arrived at the hotel.
In this scam all has gone better than expected, but again- I want everyone to know: 1. If anyone calls you asking for your money, hang up. 2. If they mention "Bitcoin" or "Debit Cards " as forms of payment, HANG UP!!!! 3. If they threaten arrest, tell them to meet you at my office to assist with your booking.
DO NOT ALLOW anyone to make you an easy target for theft. You work too hard for your money and should not be intimidated into giving up even a small part of it.
San Patricio County last week had another victim of the ‘pay up your warrant or we are coming after you’ scam. Also, be weary of calls with threats about you missing JURY DUTY, claiming you need to pay a fine to avoid arrest.
The Aransas County Sheriff Office will never contact you by phone about a warrant; it will be a letter or officer on your front porch. The Aransas County Sheriff Office will NEVER demand payment by Bitcoin or Gift Cards; it will be Cashier's Check or Money Order, so we have paper trails.
Please help Law Enforcement protect you from scammers by hanging up or calling your local agency first to ask questions. Have a GREAT DAY and keep your money in your possession.
