Advisory: San Mateo PD Officers Warning the Community to be Wary of Phone Scammers Targeting Residents!
San Mateo Police is investigating a series of phone scams, and is alerting the community on prevention methods as well as ways to assist.
On February 15th, 2014, several San Mateo residents reported to San Mateo Police that they received a suspicious phone call from a person claiming to be a law enforcement officer. The caller tells the recipient they have a "Bench Warrant" for their arrest, and that a payment is needed ASAP. The caller instructs the victim to pay the amount requested via wire transfer or else arrest is imminent.
It is important to understand this is a scam and not the way law enforcement agencies operate. San Mateo Police want to warn our community about this current scam with the intention of preventing any future victims. If you receive a similar call, do not follow the caller's instructions.
Instead, call San Mateo Police to report the calls and for advice-SMPD Dispatch Non-Emergency Number-650-522-7700.
Tips to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:
Be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls. If you have questions, call local law enforcement.
• As a rule, you should never respond to a telephone call, email, or mail request to send money through a wire service.
• If you are requested to send the money to another country consider it fraud every time!
• If you get a Caller ID number, check the internet to see if there are any scam alerts associated with it.
•If you receive calls that threaten arrest, deportation, etc, contact your local law enforcement or local legal aid agencies for advice.
•Never give any personal information (name, birthdate, social security number, bank account information, etc) over the phone unless you initiate the call.
•Be very wary of ANYONE who is calling you and asking your for personal identifying information that they might be able to use to access your credit or finances.
•If you have questions about possible outstanding debts or want to check your credit report, contact any one of the 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion).
Again – If you have any questions, concerns, or have fallen victim to this scam, please contact the San Mateo Police Department at (650)522-7700.
On February 15th, 2014, several San Mateo residents reported to San Mateo Police that they received a suspicious phone call from a person claiming to be a law enforcement officer. The caller tells the recipient they have a "Bench Warrant" for their arrest, and that a payment is needed ASAP. The caller instructs the victim to pay the amount requested via wire transfer or else arrest is imminent.
It is important to understand this is a scam and not the way law enforcement agencies operate. San Mateo Police want to warn our community about this current scam with the intention of preventing any future victims. If you receive a similar call, do not follow the caller's instructions.
Instead, call San Mateo Police to report the calls and for advice-SMPD Dispatch Non-Emergency Number-650-522-7700.
Tips to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:
Be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls. If you have questions, call local law enforcement.
• As a rule, you should never respond to a telephone call, email, or mail request to send money through a wire service.
• If you are requested to send the money to another country consider it fraud every time!
• If you get a Caller ID number, check the internet to see if there are any scam alerts associated with it.
•If you receive calls that threaten arrest, deportation, etc, contact your local law enforcement or local legal aid agencies for advice.
•Never give any personal information (name, birthdate, social security number, bank account information, etc) over the phone unless you initiate the call.
•Be very wary of ANYONE who is calling you and asking your for personal identifying information that they might be able to use to access your credit or finances.
•If you have questions about possible outstanding debts or want to check your credit report, contact any one of the 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion).
Again – If you have any questions, concerns, or have fallen victim to this scam, please contact the San Mateo Police Department at (650)522-7700.
For full details, view this message on the web.
Sent by San Mateo, CA Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
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