Scam Alert: Fake Code Officers Target Local Businesses in Cash Demand Scheme

Scam Alert: Fake Code Officers Target Brownsville Business Owners with Cash Demands

Sub-headline
Brownsville Police urge business owners to hang up on scammers posing as code enforcement officials and report calls immediately.

Tags
scam alert, Brownsville, phone scam, local businesses, code enforcement scam, business fraud, South Texas news, consumer protection, police warning, small business safety

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Article

Scam Alert: Fake Code Officers Target Brownsville Business Owners with Cash Demands

Brownsville business owners are being targeted in a new scam involving callers posing as city code enforcement officers demanding immediate cash payments. The Brownsville Police Department has issued a warning, urging local businesses to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately and notify authorities, police say.

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How the Scam Works

According to Brownsville PD, scammers—often calling from out-of-area numbers—pretend to be with the city’s code enforcement division. They claim your business is out of compliance with local regulations and demand cash or prepaid payments to “resolve” the issue.

These fraudulent callers often use threatening language, such as:

• “You’ll be fined unless you pay now.”
• “Your business could be shut down.”
• “This is your final warning.”

Police emphasize that these tactics are completely illegitimate.

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Brownsville Police: “We Don’t Call for Cash”

The Brownsville Police Department wants to make it clear:

“No city employee or enforcement officer will ever request money over the phone—especially not in cash or untraceable forms like gift cards or wire transfers.”

Legitimate code enforcement actions are handled through official notices, inspections, and in-person visits—not surprise phone calls demanding payment.

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What Business Owners Should Do

If you’re a business owner in Brownsville, take the following precautions:

• Hang up on suspicious calls immediately.
• Do not provide payment or personal/business financial information.
• Verify claims by contacting the Brownsville Code Enforcement Office directly.
• Report the incident to Brownsville Police.

Raising community awareness is key—share this information with other local businesses to help prevent more victims.

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How to Report the Scam

If you’ve received a scam call or been targeted:

• Contact the Brownsville Police Department at 📞956-548-7000
• Report the scam online through the Federal Trade Commission
• Track local scams through the BBB Scam Tracker

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Don’t Let Scammers Cash In

As scams evolve, so must awareness. Stay cautious, question demands, and report suspicious activity. A moment of skepticism could save your business thousands.

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Official Resources

Better Business Bureau – Scam Tracker

Brownsville Police Department

City of Brownsville – Code Enforcement

FTC Scam Reporting