Bastrop businesses warned of phone payment fraud

BASTROP — The Bastrop County Sheriff ’s Office is urging local businesses to be caut ious after receiving multiple reports of unauthorized debit and credit card use by individuals outside the area.

Fraudulent transactions have been identified at local hardware s tores, par t icularly those sel l ing steel, flooring and construction materials, accordi ng to Invest igator Mark Garcia.

In these cases, perpetrators are calling businesses to make payment s over the phone and are asked to provide a copy of their driver’s license. They respond with fake IDs, enabling them to complete large purchases using stolen financial information, according to the office.

“To help protect your business and prevent further incidents, we strongly recommend avoid ing over- t he phone payments for large purchases,” Garcia said.

Implementing in-person payment verification can reduce the risk of fraud and ensure transactions are legitimate, the investigator added.

Businesses are encouraged to stay vigi lant and report any suspicious activity.

“We appreciate your cooperation in helping us protect the community. Stay vigilant and thank you for your attention to this matter,” Garcia said.

For questions or to repor t a potentially fraudulent transaction, contact Invest igator Mark Garcia at 512549-5086.