Frio sheriff’s office warns of scam call surge

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The Frio County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a recent surge in scammers pretending to be insurance agents collecting payments.

“People who know about scams are less likely to fall victim to them,” Lt. Joshua Longoria said this week.

The department warned the public of apparently fraudulent calls Monday, February 13, using the emergency alert registry launched earlier this year.

“Calls coming from 111-111-1111 are not from Frio County,” the alert read.

The sheriff’s office encourages anyone who has received a call from a potential scammer to make a report with its office, (830) 334-3311 ext 2.

Scammers frequently change their approach, trying new tactics and messaging to trick people, especially the elderly, according to investigators. Potential frauds include banking, telephone, census-related fraud, government grants, investment, lottery, sweepstakes, charity, pyramid, and Ponzi schemes. 

Sheriff deputies recommend registering a private phone number with the national ‘Do Not Call’ registry at 1-888-382-1222. They also caution the public to be wary of callers claiming that someone has won a prize, such as a vacation package; to hang up on suspicious phone calls; be cautious of caller ID; and to do independent research into business opportunities, charities or travel packages offered.

“We want the public to know they do not need to give in to pressure to take immediate action,” Longoria said. “Do not provide your credit card number, bank account information or any other personal information.”