Telephone Scam Targeting AP Residents

The Aransas Pass Police Department has been informed of a new fraud scam taking place which is targeting Aransas Pass residents. AP Police feel it is important to get the word out to educate and arm our residents against becoming a victim of crime.

At approximately 9:00 a.m., a female reported that she received a call from a man claiming to be an employee of UPS. The suspect stated he had a package for the female but he needed her to return home before delivering it. The female returned home and called the suspect back. The suspect then instructed the female to drive to Wal-Mart and yell out a name three times. The female went to Wal-Mart and did as instructed while still talking to the suspect on the phone. After yelling out the name, the suspect advised the female she had just won $5,000.00 a month for 3 months along with a 2013 Camaro. The man then advised he was actually with a company called the Public House Clearing.

The female stated she went along with everything until the suspect instructed her to purchase a prepaid credit card and load the card up with several hundred dollars. The female was instructed to purchase the card and then give it to another male suspect. After talking to Wal-Mart staff, the female reported the matter to police.

Luckily for this female, she was wise enough to prevent herself from becoming a victim. AP Police would like to caution our residents against falling prey to these would-be thieves. If you do not know the person or organization, you should remain skeptical of any benefits they are trying to provide to you. Never hand out personal information or financial information over the phone, and always be leery of any payments requiring prepaid cards or money sending services.

If you have any information about a case similar to this or you have become a victim of fraud, please contact your local police department for further assistance.