The Texarkana Texas Police Department received a call last night from a citizen saying she had received a voicemail from a person who identified himself as “Lt. Hadaway” from the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office. “Lt. Hadaway” stated he was calling this citizen over some unpaid citations. The citizen called “Lt. Hadaway” back at 903-6158002 despite being unaware of any outstanding tickets. “Lt. Hadaway” informed this citizen they owed $11,000 in fines because of missed court dates. He also explained that a subpoena had been issued out of “Judge Hawkins” court for this citizen. The citizen was told they would have to pay the fine in full or go to jail now. The citizen explained that they did not have the money and the fine was lowered to $1000. The citizen did question the legitimacy of “Lt. Hadaway” so he called from the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office phone number that showed up as 903-798-3149. This is a correct phone number for the Sheriff’s Office that was spoofed by the suspect. The citizen then went and converted her $1,000 into bitcoin to pay the suspect. This is a scam. Several things to keep in mind should you receive a similar call. The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office does not collect fines or take payments over the phone. Government agencies do accept payment in bitcoin or green dot cards. Never trust an incoming phone number as they can be spoofed. If there is every a doubt hang up and call the number to your local law enforcement agency yourself. While phone numbers can be spoofed easily when someone is calling you, it is much more difficult to redirect someone else’s phone call. If you are still unsure, please visit your local law enforcement agency in person.
Scam Alert
The Texarkana Texas Police Department received a call last night from a citizen saying she had received a voicemail from a person who identified himself as “Lt. Hadaway” from the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office. “Lt. Hadaway” stated he was calling this citizen over some unpaid citations. The citizen called “Lt. Hadaway” back at 903-6158002 despite being unaware of any outstanding tickets. “Lt. Hadaway” informed this citizen they owed $11,000 in fines because of missed court dates. He also explained that a subpoena had been issued out of “Judge Hawkins” court for this citizen. The citizen was told they would have to pay the fine in full or go to jail now. The citizen explained that they did not have the money and the fine was lowered to $1000. The citizen did question the legitimacy of “Lt. Hadaway” so he called from the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office phone number that showed up as 903-798-3149. This is a correct phone number for the Sheriff’s Office that was spoofed by the suspect. The citizen then went and converted her $1,000 into bitcoin to pay the suspect. This is a scam. Several things to keep in mind should you receive a similar call. The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office does not collect fines or take payments over the phone. Government agencies do accept payment in bitcoin or green dot cards. Never trust an incoming phone number as they can be spoofed. If there is every a doubt hang up and call the number to your local law enforcement agency yourself. While phone numbers can be spoofed easily when someone is calling you, it is much more difficult to redirect someone else’s phone call. If you are still unsure, please visit your local law enforcement agency in person.
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