TEMPLE, Texas — Bell County Sheriff Eddy Lange held a press conference to discuss scams being reported around the country at the Bell County Sheriff’s Office Friday.
Phone scammers have long been targeting older Central Texans, demanding money and threatening them with jail time if they don't pay up.
Several Bell County residents told Lange they felt nervous after they were targeted.
Even Lange has found himself on the receiving end of a scam call.
"I actually received one of these calls myself, so that's how I know how it gets started," Lange said. "I didn't let it play out. I identified myself and once. I said, 'I am the sheriff.' Click. They hang up, and that's the last time I hear from them."
Authorities said the scammers often pretend to be with the social security office, tell the victim that there has been unusual activity with their bank account then accuse the victim of money laundering.
The scammers will often threaten to involve the DEA and send the victim to jail unless they pay some amount of money.
Lange said he hopes the criminals will do the right thing and stop calling.
"They don't need this in their lives," Lange said. "These are their golden years. They're supposed to be enjoying life, yet vultures are out there trying to mess with their lives."
Lange said anyone who receives a call like these should hang up and report it to the sheriff's office.