These are actively circulating in DFW as of early 2026. If you haven't seen one yet, you will.
1. Fake ERCOT/Oncor calls Scammer calls claiming your power will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you pay via Zelle or gift card. Real ERCOT and Oncor will never demand immediate payment by phone. Source: Oncor fraud alert page.
2. Facebook Marketplace rental scams Listings for apartments/houses at below-market rates. They use photos stolen from Zillow, collect deposits via Venmo, then vanish. Always verify ownership through the county appraisal district (DCAD or TAD) before sending money.
3. Fake vehicle temporary tags Texas cracked down in 2023 but fake paper plates are still everywhere. Scammers sell them for $50-100. Driving with a fraudulent temp tag is a Class B misdemeanor under Texas Transportation Code 503.067. Source: TxDMV.
4. Contractor deposit-and-vanish Post-storm season specialty. Contractor quotes a deal, takes 50% deposit, never comes back. Always verify TDLR license at tdlr.texas.gov and never pay more than 10% upfront.
5. "Your warrant" robocalls Automated call claims there's a warrant for your arrest from Dallas County. Demands immediate payment. Dallas County will never call you about a warrant. Period.
How to report:
- Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection: 800-621-0508
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov (for internet fraud)
Sources:
- Oncor — fraud alert page (oncor.com)
- Texas DMV — temp tag fraud enforcement
- Texas Attorney General — consumer protection division
- FTC — reportfraud.ftc.gov
Share this with your parents. They're the top targets.