TABC Regulators Warning Against Extortion Scam
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AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - Investigators with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission along with the U.S. Postal Inspector are working to identify the culprits behind a suspected extortion scam involving several TABC-licensed businesses.
On Monday the TABC announced retailers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are receiving letters claiming that a third-party observer had witnessed violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Code at that retailer's business.
The letters threatened to report violations to the TABC unless the owner agreed to pay $500 via a cash card.
Commission officials say the letters are not connected to the TABC.
"TABC values the partnerships we've built over the years with our retailers, and when there is an attempt to extort the holder of a permit or license, we take the matter very seriously," said Chief Robert Saenz, TABC Chief of Field Operations. "Our Special Investigations Unit will be working closely with the U.S. Postal Inspectors to get to the bottom of this. Mailed threats such as this fall under the federal government's jurisdiction, which means these culprits could face federal charges when caught."
Anyone receiving such a threat should contact the TABC at 1-888-THE-TABC or the U.S. Postal Inspectors office at 1-877-876-2455.
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