Texas Border Business
Edinburg, TX – The Edinburg Police Department is urging residents to remain vigilant following a recent surge in online scams targeting individuals and businesses in the area. These increasingly sophisticated scams include extortion, sextortion, smishing, and fraudulent demands for money from residents and local businesses.
● Extortion: Scammers threaten to release sensitive information unless a ransom is paid, often claiming they have accessed personal data or compromised private accounts.
● Sextortion: Victims are being coerced into sending money or additional compromising content under the threat of exposing intimate photos or videos.
● SMS Phishing: Scammers use text messages to impersonate trusted organizations or individuals, luring victims into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information that can then be used for fraudulent activities.
● Business Fraud: Local businesses are receiving fraudulent demands for money, accompanied by threats of legal action or loss of business if payments are not made.
● Stay Vigilant: Be wary of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls that request money, sensitive information, or make threats.
● Verify Requests: Always confirm the legitimacy of any demand for payment or personal information by contacting the organization or individual directly through official channels.
● Do Not Engage: If you receive a threatening message, do not respond or make any payments. Instead, report the incident to the Edinburg Police Department immediately.
● Use Strong Security: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
● Beware of SMS Phishing: Be cautious of unexpected text messages that ask you to click on links or provide personal information. Verify the sender’s identity before taking any action.
● Educate Employees: Businesses should inform employees about these scams and establish protocols for verifying payment requests and other suspicious activities.
What to Do if You’re Targeted:
If you believe you have been targeted by one of these scams, report it to the appropriate authorities. If the crime occurs within the City of Edinburg, please contact the Edinburg Police Department at their non-emergency number: 956-289-7700. The department is actively investigating these incidents and is committed to protecting the community from further harm.
“We take these threats seriously and are dedicated to safeguarding our community from online predators,” said Chief Jaime Ayala. “We urge residents and businesses to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately. Your safety is our top priority, and we are here to support our community in any way we can.”
