Bexar County Sheriff Issues Urgent Warning on Crypto Scams After Elderly Couple’s $25K Loss
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar has issued a stark warning to the public about sophisticated cryptocurrency scams targeting families of inmates, following a heartbreaking incident where an elderly couple from Comal County lost $25,000.[1]
The scam unfolded on Friday afternoon when the couple, both in their 70s, received a distressing phone call around 3 p.m. The callers, impersonating law enforcement officers and bail bondsmen from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), claimed they could secure the release of the couple’s son from the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. What followed was an eight-hour ordeal that drained their savings.[1][2]
Under intense pressure from the scammers, who kept them on the line continuously, the victims drove from Comal County to multiple retail locations in San Antonio. There, they were instructed to use Bitcoin ATM machines to purchase cryptocurrency, ultimately handing over $25,000 in a series of transactions.[1][2]
Sheriff’s Grim Assessment: Recovery Unlikely
Sheriff Salazar expressed empathy for the victims while delivering sobering news during a press update. “Our hope is that we can hopefully help these folks get their money back,” he said. “Our chances of identifying scammers that were doing this are, I’ll be honest, are slim to none.”[1]
This incident is not isolated. Scammers are exploiting publicly available arrest records to identify recent detainees and contact their relatives. Posing as BCSO deputies or bondsmen, they demand immediate payment in Bitcoin to cover supposed fines or bail fees. Salazar emphasized a key rule: “Sheriff’s offices will never call asking for payment.”[2]
“If you are on the phone with someone you believe is law enforcement, you should not use the [Bitcoin] machine, should not deposit money and should hang up immediately.”
– Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar[1]
Push for Protective Legislation
To combat these scams at their source, Sheriff Salazar is advocating for a city ordinance in San Antonio requiring warning signs at all cryptocurrency kiosks. The proposed signs would alert users to hang up if pressured by phone callers claiming to be officials and refusing any deposits.[1]
Progress is underway. On Friday, Salazar met with San Antonio City Council District 5 representative Terri Castillo, who expressed interest in leading the initiative. He also spoke by phone with District 9 councilmember Misty Spears, who showed similar enthusiasm. “I’ll be meeting with the city council people periodically over the next couple of weeks in hopes of getting this city ordinance,” Salazar stated.[1]
This legislative effort builds on BCSO’s ongoing awareness campaigns. Recent reports highlight similar vulnerabilities, including two women scammed out of $47,500 in separate cases, underscoring the rising threat in the region.[1]
Broader Context of Scams and Local Crime
The crypto scam warning came amid other BCSO announcements. On Saturday, Salazar detailed a major bust in construction site thefts on San Antonio’s East Side. Thieves stole over $3,000 in equipment from a site around 8:30 a.m., but surveillance footage led investigators to a residence near 4200 San Fernando Street. There, they recovered more than $80,000 worth of stolen construction supplies.[2]
Ricardo Sanchez Rodriguez, 35, and Joaquin Rodriguez, 28, were arrested in connection with the thefts. Salazar urged builders and contractors to secure materials properly, transport them only when needed, and install cameras.[2]
| Incident | Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency Scam | Elderly couple loses $25K via Bitcoin ATMs | Ongoing investigation; low recovery odds[1][2] |
| Construction Theft | $83K+ in stolen goods recovered | Two arrests: Ricardo Sanchez Rodriguez, Joaquin Rodriguez[2] |
| Prior Scams | Women lose $47,500 | Under investigation[1] |
Expert Tips to Avoid Falling Victim
As scams evolve, BCSO offers practical advice:
- Verify any claims independently: Contact the jail or sheriff’s office directly using official numbers, not those provided by the caller.
- Never pay bail or fines via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers.
- Hang up immediately if pressured for quick payments over the phone.
- Report suspicions to BCSO at (210) 335-6000 or local authorities.[1][2]
The elderly couple’s plight highlights the emotional manipulation at play. Scammers prey on fear and urgency, particularly among seniors and families in distress. With cryptocurrency’s irreversibility, prevention is the only reliable defense.
Community Response and Future Outlook
Local leaders’ involvement signals a proactive stance. Councilmembers Castillo and Spears’ support could lead to the first-of-its-kind ordinance, setting a precedent for other cities grappling with Bitcoin-enabled fraud.
Meanwhile, BCSO continues to monitor public records exploitation. Arrest logs, freely accessible online, provide scammers with prime targets. Salazar’s team is exploring ways to mitigate this without compromising transparency.
This wave of scams reflects a national trend. The Federal Trade Commission reports billions lost annually to imposter schemes, with crypto payments surging post-pandemic. In Texas, vulnerable populations like the elderly face heightened risks amid economic pressures.
As San Antonio pushes back, residents are urged to stay vigilant. Sheriff Salazar’s message is clear: If it sounds too urgent to verify, it’s likely a scam.
This story will be updated as the investigation progresses and legislative efforts advance.