County officials say $2M lost in phishing incident largely recovered

Nueces County recovered nearly $1.94 million lost in a phishing scam with help from Frost Bank. Officials say new safeguards are now in place.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Nueces County officials say they have recovered nearly $2 million that was lost in a phishing scam that targeted the county earlier this year — the latest in a series of cybersecurity incidents impacting county operations.

In a statement Monday, officials said the county had been the victim of five phishing-related attempts, three of which resulted in financial losses. The most recent incident, first reported in August, cost the county nearly $2 million after funds were misdirected in what officials described as a phishing scam.

Interim County Auditor Constance Sanchez said Frost Bank helped recover the first $1 million, while efforts continue to retrieve the remaining funds. She added that it could take up to 120 days before the full amount is returned.

In response, Nueces County temporarily halted all electronic payments into the courthouse and reverted to paper checks for incoming transactions, except for payroll. Officials said those electronic payments have since been reinstated with new safeguards in place.

Sanchez said the county’s experience serves as a warning to others.

“If Nueces County, with all of its security measures, can be scammed, then anyone can,” she said. “These are the same people who target our grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts and uncles — and now Nueces County.”

Officials are urging residents to remain cautious and to report suspicious activity to the FBI’s fraud hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-255-5324).

County officials say $2M lost in phishing incident largely recovered

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