The Ector County Sheriff’s Office issued a public safety alert on Saturday, warning community members that a phone scam is circulating throughout Odessa and the wider Ector County area. According to the department, callers are using a technique that makes the incoming number appear to be the official Sheriff’s Office line. The scammers then claim to be either Sergeant Bell or Captain McKinney, two recognizable figures within the agency.

How the scam works

Victims receive a call that displays the Sheriff’s Office number on their caller ID. The voice on the line identifies itself as Sgt. Bell or Capt. McKinney and proceeds to ask for personal details, such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, or credit‑card data. In some instances, the caller claims there is an active warrant, a missed jury‑duty notice, or another urgent legal matter that requires immediate payment.

Official response

Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deputy Chief Maria Hernandez emphasized that the department will never call a resident to discuss an active warrant, missed jury duty, or to request money. “If you receive a call that appears to come from our office and the caller asks for personal or financial information, hang up immediately,” Hernandez said. “Do not share any details, and if you are concerned, call the official non‑emergency number to verify the request.”

What residents should do

Authorities advise the following steps if you receive a suspicious call:

• Hang up immediately.
• Do not provide any personal, financial, or identifying information.
• Contact the Ector County Sheriff’s Office at the verified non‑emergency number (432‑555‑1234) to confirm the legitimacy of the call.
• Report the incident to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Internet Crime Division.

The department also reminded residents that legitimate communications from the Sheriff’s Office will typically be delivered in writing, such as a mailed notice or an official email from a @ectorcounty.gov address. Phone calls requesting money or personal data are a clear red flag.

Broader context

Phone‑number spoofing has become an increasingly common tactic for fraudsters nationwide, allowing them to masquerade as trusted institutions. Local law‑enforcement agencies across Texas have reported similar scams in recent months, prompting a coordinated effort to educate the public about how to recognize and avoid these schemes.

By issuing this warning, the Ector County Sheriff’s Office aims to protect families and preserve the trust that residents have in their local law‑enforcement partners. The department encourages anyone who suspects they have been targeted to reach out promptly, ensuring that potential victims receive the assistance they need and that investigators can track the source of the fraudulent calls.

Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.