Recently, the Hill County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and Hill County Judge Justin Lewis reported that scammers have been targeting Hill County residents. Both HCSO and Judge Lewis have been impersonated through mail and by phone by unknown individuals in attempts to collect money under false pretenses.
The sheriff’s office announced Tuesday, July 30, that it has received numerous calls from residents stating that they have been phoned by an individual claiming to be with the sheriff’s office.
The impersonator will then state that the individual being called has some sort of legal issue that may be resolved by transferring money to the caller. The sheriff’s office said that at least one person has been scammed out of a significant sum of money.
HCSO then reminded the public that it will never solicit money from citizens under any circumstances.
Judge Lewis also announced that he and HCSO have been impersonated in a scam specifically targeting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan holders.
At least one individual hasreceived a letter in the mail claiming that the United States District Attorney’s Office has waged a lawsuit against them.
The letter is intended to imitate official court documents and falsely states that there is a U.S. District Attorney’s Office in Hillsboro. It also states that Lewis is a U.S. District Judge.
Lewis clarified that there is no U.S. District Attorney’s Office located in Hillsboro and that he is not a U.S. District Judge. He added that if HCSO needs to get in touch with an individual over legal proceedings, it will be done in person, not over the phone.
Individuals who are unsure if a phone call or letter is legitimate are encouraged to contact HCSO at 254-582-5313.
The Lakelander 