🚨 Fraud Friday: Don’t Get Hooked! 🚨

Protecting Our Community from Scams and Fraud

A Runaway Bay resident received a text message that looked official - it claimed to be from a law firm collecting payment for the “City of Dallas Municipal Court.” The message even included a phone number and a link to click for payment.

Thankfully, the resident trusted their instincts and reported it instead of responding. This was a scam, designed to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.

How These Scams Work

Fraudsters often pretend to be from real organizations like city courts, police departments, or even the IRS. They use text messages, emails, or phone calls that sound urgent. They'll claim you owe money, have an unpaid ticket, or must verify your identity.

Their goal? To get you to click a link, call a fake number, or send money before you have time to think.

Common red flags include:

• Messages that use threats or urgency (“Final Notice,” “Warrant Issued,” “Immediate Action Required”).

• Misspelled words, unusual email addresses, or generic greetings like “Dear Customer.”

• Links that don’t match official websites. (Hover over links to check before clicking!)

What Legitimate Agencies Will Never Do

Remember:

• No law enforcement agency - including sheriff’s offices, police departments, or municipal courts - will ever demand money or personal information over text, email, or social media.

• Real agencies do not accept payment through gift cards, Venmo, or CashApp.

• Courts and municipalities handle all official matters through mailed notices or secure online portals.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message

If something feels “off,” trust your instincts:

1. Do not click any links or download attachments.

2. Do not reply - even to ask if it’s real.

3. Take a screenshot of the message for your records.

4. Report it to local law enforcement or to the Texas Attorney General’s Office at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.

5. If it mentions a specific city or agency, call them directly using a verified number (not the one in the message).

Stay Sharp, Runaway Bay!

Your awareness is the best protection against scams. Talk with your neighbors, friends, and especially seniors who may be targeted more often.

If you’re ever unsure about a message or call, reach out to Runaway Bay City Hall or the Runaway Bay Police Department before taking action.

Together, we can keep our community safe and scam-free!