Fraud Tips

Fraudulent Contractors

Please remain cognizant of the fact that storm events and other factors can draw less than scrupulous individuals and companies to the area. Although questionable companies represent a small number compared to the majority of individuals and companies who are honest and follow legitimate business practices, they do show up from time to time.

All solicitors must be licensed by the City of Abilene and contractors must be licensed before performing work. Do not be hesitant to ask to see their solicitor’s permit and/or contractor’s work license. If you have any concerns, you may contact the Abilene Police Department or the Abilene City Inspector.

Fraudulent Phone Calls

We have seen a rise in our local citizens receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer from the Abilene Police Department.  If you receive a phone call, email or text from someone who claims to be a law enforcement officer saying they have a warrant for your arrest and ask you for personal information or money to clear the warrant this is a scam.  The police department will not call you for this information.  If there is a warrant for your arrest, an officer will be knocking on your door.  If you owe a fine you will never receive a call to pay it over the phone (and we never accept gift cards as payment), you will always receive a notice in the mail with a court date for you to have an opportunity to appear in front of the judge.

Have you received a “phishy” call, email or text?  There are many types of scams including:
Arrest Warrant Scams – Scammers posing as a law enforcement officer claiming there is a warrant for your arrest (for an unpaid debt, missed jury duty or other false offense).
Social Security Scams – Scammers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration and try to get your social security number.
IRS Scams – Scammers pose as an IRS agent and claim you owe back taxes.
Phishing Scams – Scammers use email or text messages to try to get you to give them your personal information or money.
Fake Check Scams – Scammers ask you to deposit a check for more than you are owed and send money to another person.

The scammers and phishers work the same way – they pretend to be someone you trust to convince you to send them money or share your personal information.  They often use phone numbers that are familiar or appear to be from an organization that you know. 

Protect your money and personal information:

• Be suspicious of any call from  a government agency asking for money or information – Government agencies will not call you with promises of (or demands for) money.
• Don’t trust caller ID – it can be faked.
• Never pay with a gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency to anyone claiming promises or threats.
• Always check with the real agency, person or company.

For more information about avoiding and reporting scams refer to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting their website at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts/.