The Houston Police Department would like you to be aware of the following two financial scams.

“Pig Butchering” Cryptocurrency Scam.

Impersonation of Government or Law Enforcement Agencies

Scammers often impersonate government agencies or law enforcement, including the FBI, IRS, sheriffs, or police departments.

They claim there’s a legal issue, that you owe money, or that your accounts or benefits are frozen as part of an investigation. To resolve the supposed problem or protect your money, they may instruct you to buy cryptocurrency, provide a wallet address for “safe keeping,” or even guide you step-by-step to a cryptocurrency ATM, showing you how to convert cash into cryptocurrency.

These scammers might also ask you to send the cryptocurrency by scanning a QR code they provide, which directs the payment straight into their digital wallet.

If you suspect a scam, please get in touch with our non-emergency line at 713.884.3131 or Property Financial Crimes at 713.308.0900.