SCAM ALERT: Residents targeted by fake arrest warrant phone calls

ELLIS COUNTY — The Ellis County Sheriff's Office is warning people about a scam that is primarily targeting elderly residents in this county. This week, several reports have been filed detailing how the unidentified suspect is calling people and trying to scare them into sending him money.

The suspect has identified himself as "Capt. Powell" with the Sheriff's Office and made reference to county and federal employees and offices. There is no one by the name of "Capt. Powell" who works for the Sheriff's Office. As part of the scam, the suspect calls people and tells them they have a warrant. He says if they will send him money via a prepaid card that the warrant will be removed and the matter resolved.

This is a blatant scam to take people's money. The Sheriff's Office does not call people to tell them they have a warrant – and does not collect money for warrants. Never send money nor give personal information to any unidentified person based on such a phone call and threat of police action.

The Sheriff's Office is asking people to please spread the word about this scam, especially to elderly residents as that is the most targeted demographic.

"We want people to know that this scam is again making the rounds. In particular, we'd like everyone's help in alerting our elderly residents about this because they're the ones being targeted," Sheriff Johnny Brown said. "We don't want anyone to be victimized."

Anyone who may have received a phone call from the scam artist is asked to contact ECSO Criminal Investigation Division Lt. Phil Slaughter at 972-825-4965 or their local police agency.