Travis County DA office warns of callers impersonating its representatives

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Travis County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents about callers impersonating its representatives.

The office said it has received complaints from two people who reported a phone call from someone pretending to be a TCDA staff member and threatening them with legal action if money was not paid immediately. In one case, the victim paid $1,200 to a Bitcoin account, according to the office.

The office said in a release that it is believed these calls started on Friday, March 29. In both cases, the caller used the correct name of a TCDA staff member and made it appear as though he was calling from the District Attorney’s office by using an app that showed the office’s main number in the caller ID, according to the release.

The district attorney’s office said it does not call residents threatening legal action if payment is not provided over the phone, and that it will never demand immediate payment in person with cash, gift card, or Bitcoin.

If a Travis County resident receives a phone call threatening arrest, demanding immediate payment, or requesting credit card or bank account information, the office said they should hang up and report the incident immediately to their local law enforcement agency.

In addition to making a report with law enforcement, they should make an online report with the Federal Trade Commission.

Anyone who has received such a call or email and is uncertain of their case can call the Travis County District Attorney’s office at 512-854-9400.

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