Orange police warn of scam calls

The Orange Police Department on Monday, March 4, issued a warning to people not to fall for a scam phone call from someone claiming to be with the department.

Detective Stephen Ward in a release said the caller was claiming to be "Sergeant Chuck Steele with Orange PD" with an "urgent legal matter." The recipient was to contact 409-420-3458. That is not a phone number connected to Orange police or any other local law enforcement agency.

This is the latest in a number of phone scams that circulate. Other calls may involve a "jail" call from out-of-town claiming a loved one of the recipient has been arrested and needs bond money. A number is given to wire the money.

Other calls may claim to be from a police agency claiming the person has an arrest warrant and it will be removed if they pay off a nonexistent fine. In some calls, the arrest warrant scam call might involve a failure to appear for jury duty.

If anyone thinks they were scammed by the fake call from "Sergeant Chuck Steele," they should contact the Orange Police Department Investigations Division at 409-883-1095.