The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO) is warning residents about a surge in phone scams in which callers demand payment to avoid arrest for warrants that do not exist.

In the past week, several residents reported receiving unsolicited calls pressuring them to make immediate payments. Victims were persuaded to send large sums of money through irreversible payment apps.

According to officials, scammers frequently pose as trusted figures, such as government employees or family members, to create a false sense of urgency. In recent incidents, scammers even referenced the name of a legitimate FBCSO employee to increase credibility. Victims were falsely told a warrant had been issued for failing to appear for a federal jury summons, and were directed to make payments through PayPal.

The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that its employees, including warrant officers, never call citizens to collect warrant fees, jury summons fines, or any type of payment. The office also does not conduct business through wire transfers, payment apps such as PayPal, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.

• FBCSO provided the following guidance to help residents avoid falling victim to scams:
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls that create urgency or pressure you into sending money.
• Do not share financial or personal information such as bank details, Social Security numbers, or driver’s license information.
• Hang up immediately if a caller uses high-pressure tactics or suspiciously asks “Yes/No” questions.
• Be aware that scammers often spoof legitimate phone numbers, making caller ID unreliable.
• Remember that money sent via PayPal, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or payment apps is not recoverable.

"We have seen a growing number of scams targeting our community, and we urge everyone to stay alert — if something feels off, it probably is," said Sheriff Eric Fagan. “Protect yourself by staying informed and always double-check before giving out personal information."