10/21/2026
SCAM ALERT
Coleman County Sheriff’s Office Public Warning
The Coleman County Sheriff’s Office warns the public about two recent telephone scams reported in our area.
Grandchild Arrest Scam
In one report, a caller falsely identified himself as an officer from another county. The caller claimed the victim’s grandchild had been arrested and instructed the victim to send money through Apple Pay or Venmo so the grandchild could be released and placed in a mental health treatment facility.
Law enforcement agencies and county jails will never call and demand payment through Apple Pay, Venmo, gift cards, or other payment services.
Jury Duty Warrant Scam
Another recently reported scam involves callers claiming to be with the U.S. Marshals Service. The caller says the victim has a warrant for failing to appear for jury duty and threatens arrest unless money is sent.
The U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement will not demand money by phone to prevent an arrest.
What You Should Do
• Do not send money or provide payment information.
• Hang up and contact the law enforcement agency directly using a verified phone number.
• Never use a number supplied by the caller to verify the caller’s identity.
• If possible, record the number displayed on your phone and report the call to your local law enforcement agency.
• Remember that scammers can “spoof” or clone an agency’s phone number, making the call appear legitimate.
If you are unsure whether a call is legitimate, tell the caller you are hanging up and will contact the agency directly to verify the caller’s identity.
Never provide personal or financial information by phone, text, or email—including bank account, credit card, Social Security, or other identifying information—to an unsolicited caller or sender.
Coleman County Sheriff’s Office