SMPD warns of scams, fraudulent calls increasing in San Marcos

The San Marcos Police Department is warning citizens about a recent increase in reports of attempted scam calls made to locals in and around the city. 

SMPD warned San Marcos residents Tuesday that law enforcement agencies will never request payments through gift cards. Citizens are cautioned against giving out personal information or payment to suspicious callers. 

“Recently we have received calls from residents reporting they were contacted by a person or people claiming to represent a federal or Texas-based police agency and were told they must make payments via gift card to remove warrants,” Interim Chief Bob Klett said in a statement. “These are fraudulent callers who are attempting to deceive and steal money from victims and the public needs to be cautious and aware of these scams.”

SMPD said that the validity of information requested by phone from suspected scammers claiming to represent a law enforcement agency can be verified by calling the law enforcement agency in question. Those who suspect they may be the victim of a scam can file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov or can call SMPD at 512-753-2108.