Officials Warn: Police Will Never Call You About Outstanding Fines

Residents across Galveston County are once again being targeted by scam callers posing as local law enforcement officers, warning of outstanding fines or warrants and demanding immediate payment or personal information.

According to reports previously published by The Galveston County Daily News in November 2024 and again in May 2025, these fraudulent calls have been on the rise, often spoofing the phone numbers of legitimate departments such as the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office or local police agencies.

Scammers frequently claim that the recipient has missed jury duty, has unpaid citations, or faces arrest unless payment is made—often requesting prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or sensitive personal details.

Authorities across the county are urging the public to remain vigilant.

Kemah Police said in a recent social media post, “If you have any doubts about whether a call is from a legitimate law enforcement agency or a city municipality, you are encouraged to call and verify the legitimacy of the call.”

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not provide Social Security numbers, bank account information, or payment of any kind over the phone.

• Hang up on anyone claiming to be law enforcement and demanding money.

• Use caution with caller ID—scammers can “spoof” legitimate numbers to appear authentic.

• Report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

The latest wave of scam calls highlights an ongoing challenge for residents and law enforcement alike. Community education and prompt reporting are key tools in stopping fraud before it spreads further.