Paso Robles Police warn residents of imposter phone scam
Scammers use technology to mask their true phone numbers, causing caller ID to display ‘Paso Robles Police Department’
– The Paso Robles Police Department is warning residents about an ongoing imposter scam in which con artists are using technology to spoof the department’s phone number to deceive victims into sending payments.
According to police, the scammers pose as police officers and call victims, falsely claiming that payments are required to avoid arrest for various reasons, including missing jury duty. The fraudsters often demand payment in the form of gift cards. To make their deception more convincing, the scammers use technology to mask their true phone numbers, causing caller ID to display “Paso Robles Police Department.” They may also use actual badge numbers or the names of real officers to sound more credible.
“These calls are not from the Paso Robles Police Department and are entirely fraudulent,” the department stated. The police emphasize that they will never call individuals with threats of arrest or demands for payment of any kind.
Residents are urged not to share personal information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be a police officer, the department advises contacting them directly at (805) 237-6464 to verify the legitimacy of the call.
This scam seems pretty mild compared to some I’ve seen.
This scam seems pretty mild compared to some I’ve seen.