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BASTROP — A pair of scams have recently targeted Bastrop County residents, with one involving law enforcement impersonation and another leaving an Elgin woman out more than $16,000, officials said.
The Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office is investigating both incidents. Sheriff Maurice Cook described one of the scams as “unusual” and warned residents to remain vigilant. “Someone is just being mean and jacking with the public,” Cook said. “It’s just mean people out there who don’t respect the rights of others.”
In the case, several residents reported receiving phone calls from a man claiming to be Deputy Luke Warner of the sheriff’s office, a public service announcement from the department stated.
According to Cook, the caller told individuals they had outstanding warrants or missed court appearances and instructed them to report to 200 Jackson St. in Bastrop.
“It’s not that unusual for scams — but using an active deputy’s name is fairly new and unusual,” he added.
The department said the caller has also used names of officers from other local law enforcement agencies.
Officials urged anyone with concerns to independently call the sheriff’s office, rather than respond to incoming calls.
“If you have any concerns, hang up and call the sheriff’s office and ask about it,” Cook said. “Don’t depend on an incoming call. Make the call to law enforcement and discuss the information with them.”
In a separate case, an Elgin resident was contacted by someone claiming to be from Microsoft after receiving a fraud alert on her device, according to the sheriff’s office.
The caller reportedly instructed her to withdraw $16,100 from her bank account and hand it over to a person who arrived at her home.
Around 4:15 p.m. March 26, a newer model black Chevrolet SUV was seen at the victim’s property on Ewing Avenue in Elgin. The driver was described as a thin Asian or Caucasian male with brown hair and brown eyes.
Both cases remain under investigation.
In other sheriff’s office matters, seven ICE detainees were booked into the Bastrop County Jail last week. Cook stated such arrests are routine for the area.
“It’s pretty steady. It’s always been since I’ve been in office,” he said. “When someone goes to jail, ICE will give us a call and put a hold if they see a name in their database.”
Cook has served as sheriff since 2017.
