BSPD warns of scam involving fake subpoenas

Special to the Herald

The Big Spring Department released a statement Tuesday morning regarding a recent local scam. The complete text of the statement follows:

“On the February 27, 2023, multiple people in or around Big Spring were targeted in a recent scam.

“The actors were able to spoof the non-emergency phone number (432 264-2550) for the Howard County Dispatch Center, meaning that the victim's caller ID displayed the phone number (432-264-2550) when the would be scam artist contacted the victim.

“The scam artist portrayed to be Sgt. Tony Everett and or Officer Sanchez. The scam artist informed the victims that they had failed to abide by a subpoena, and they may have a federal arrest warrant with intentions of soliciting fear from the victims.

“The scam artist then gave

Police the victim specific instructions how to ‘Pay' the fine to prevent their arrest. Law Enforcement WILL NOT contact you via phone to solicit payment to prevent an arrest.

“You should suspect any activity to be a scam if a person is request you to make a payment using a gift card such as Google Pay or Apple Pay as these payments are non traceable and spend as cash.

“You should also suspect any person requesting you to wire money.

“Many individuals and businesses have been victimized in these types of scams in the past. Please be vigilant of these types of activities, and do not allow these scam artists to take advantage of you and your family.”

The statement was submitted to the Herald by BSPD Chief of Police Chad Williams, Administrative Lieutenant Brian Gordon, and Criminal Investigation Division Sergeant John Haynes.