Houston man scammed out of $2,500 by person claiming to be lieutenant from Lufkin PD

Daisy Escatel
·1 min read

LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) — The Lufkin Police Department is warning people to be vigilant of scammers after two people reported that a scammer was calling people claiming to be a lieutenant.

Erratic driver arrested in Camp County after allegedly admitting to having meth

According to a release from the Lufkin PD, a Houston-area man reported being scammed on Tuesday after someone who claimed to be Lt. Mike Shurley with the Lufkin Police Department called and demanded the man to pay $2,500 in gift cards for failure to appear on a summons.

A Sugarland woman also reportedly told police she received the same type of call from “Lt. Shurley” but did not give the scammer any money.

The department asks people to stay vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or messages, especially if the caller claims to be in law enforcement.

City of Marshall preparing for warrant roundup

If you suspect the caller to be a scammer, the department asks people to consider the following steps:

  • Verify the caller’s identity

  • Ask for the caller’s full name, badge number, and department

  • Call the official phone number of the Lufkin Police Department, 936-633-0356, to verify the information

Police said not to share personal information, report the incident to your local police department and provide them with relevant details, warn others of the potential scam and stay up to date on recent scams in your area.

“Remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies will not typically request sensitive information over the phone. Scammers often use intimidation tactics or claim there’s an urgent matter to trick individuals into providing personal information or money,” Lufkin PD said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.