Tyler Police Department is warning of a scam in which individuals are impersonating law enforcement, asking victims to send them money to "clear their name." (Contributed Photo)

From Staff Reports

Scammers are contacting Tyler-area residents claiming to be law enforcement, police said Tuesday morning.

The individuals are claiming to be local, state or federal law enforcement, asking victims to withdraw money “to clear their name,” according to Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh.

In a recent case that was reported to Tyler police, a victim was contacted by a person claiming to be a U.S. Marshal telling her to withdraw money. The victim also received a call from Tyler Police Department’s non-emergency number.

“A person identified themselves as an officer and gave a badge number to further the scam,” Erbaugh said. “They told her they would arrest her if she didn’t pay the money.”

“Scammers are ‘spoofing’ our number but please understand that no matter what number is calling you, the Tyler Police Department nor any of its officers will ever ask you for money or tell you we can clear your name,” Erbaugh added.

He assured residents that law enforcement agency will never have someone pay money to clear their name.

“Tyler PD will never contact you asking for money,” Erbaugh said.

Scammers are always changing their tactics, Erbaugh warns.

“Please never pull your money or savings to pay anybody unless it’s something you’ve already agreed upon,” he said.

Report scams to Tyler police at (903) 531-1000.