10/11/2023
SCAMMERS are working hard in the Southeast Texas area to steal your money. The latest scam we have been advised of is a phone call from someone representing themselves as a JCSO Deputy.
The Victim is being told that they didn’t appear for jury duty and that there has been a fine assessed. If they do not pay the fine, they will be arrested.
The SCAMMER may offer several forms of payment to avoid arrest.
1. SCAMMER sends the victim a barcode or QR code to scan. Once scanned, it allows the victim to send the SCAMMER funds. It may also allow the SCAMMER access to the victims banking accounts.
2. SCAMMER directs the victim to go to a local business and purchase a GREEN DOT card. At times, the SCAMMER will stay on the phone with the victim while they make the purchase. Once the victim gives the SCAMMER the card information, the transaction is done. They have just stolen all of the money on the card.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
• Once you scan a bar code or QR code, check the URL to make sure it is the intended site and looks authentic. A malicious domain name may be similar to the intended URL but with typos or a misplaced letter.
• Practice caution when entering login, personal, or financial information from a site navigated to from a bar code or QR code.
• If scanning a physical code, ensure the code has not been tampered with, such as with a sticker placed on top of the original code.
• Do not download an app from a QR code. Use your phone's app store for a safer download.
• If you receive an email stating a payment failed from a company you recently made a purchase with and the company states you can only complete the payment through a QR code, call the company to verify. Locate the company's phone number through a trusted site rather than a number provided in the email.
• Do not download a random bar code or QR code scanner app. This increases your risk of downloading malware onto your device. Most phones have a built-in scanner through the camera app.
• If