SAN ANTONIO — The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents after a woman lost $25,000 in one day to a scammer who falsely claimed she owed money for missing jury duty.
Sheriff Javier Salazar said the caller spoofed the sheriff’s office phone number, making it appear the call came from the agency. He said the suspect told the woman she had a warrant and sent a text message showing what appeared to be official documentation while using pressure to keep her on the phone.
Salazar said the caller instructed the woman not to contact family or friends and directed her to a convenience store, where she purchased $25,000 worth of bitcoin because she believed it would clear the warrant. Deputies said the claim about missed jury duty was false.
Salazar said investigators believe the case represents the largest reported loss connected to a jury duty scam in Bexar County.
“The sheriff’s office will never do this,” Salazar said. “We won’t call you to tell you that you have a warrant. We’ll never call you to demand money over the phone. We don’t take bitcoin, Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards to clear a warrant. If you get a call like this, hang up.”
The sheriff’s office said it is working to help the woman recover her money. Officials added that the county notifies residents about missed jury duty by mail and does not demand payment by phone.
Authorities urge residents who receive suspicious calls to hang up, verify the information independently, and report the incident to Bexar County dispatch at (210) 335-6000 or by email at SCORE@bexar.org.