TYLER, Texas — The Smith County Sheriff's Office is warning people of telephone scams in which callers are pretending to be law enforcement to take people's money.
These recent scams include the caller saying he is either Sgt. Tim Jones or Sgt. Justin Hall. The caller then says he is with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office civil processing division and needs to discuss an urgent matter, which always ends with the victim owing money.
"The Smith County Sheriff’s Office employs both a Sgt. Tim Jones and Sgt. Justin Hall, but their names are just being used for the purpose of scamming individuals," the sheriff's office said. "If you receive a call from anyone advising that they are a law enforcement official and you owe money, please just hang up."
Those who would like to verify if something is a scam or not can call the SCSO non-emergency number at (903) 566-6600.
The scams tend to prey on the elderly and others who are vulnerable to scare tactics. No Smith County Sheriff's Office representative will ever call and demand money.