Scammers impersonate Atascadero police in identity theft scheme
Police advise hanging up on suspicious calls, verifying claims
– The Atascadero Police Department is investigating a series of identity theft and fraud attempts aimed at local residents. Several community members have reported receiving phone calls from individuals who falsely claim to represent the department.
According to police, the scammers use caller ID spoofing technology to make it appear that the calls are coming directly from the Atascadero Police Department. The callers claim to be investigating a fraud case and ask for personal identifying information. Reports indicate the callers often have a noticeable accent and appear to be calling from a call center.
The department is urging residents to remain vigilant and protect their personal information. If residents receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be a police officer, they are advised not to share any personal information. Instead, they should hang up and contact the department directly at (805) 461-5051 to verify the legitimacy of the call.
“Our top priorities are the safety and security of our community, and we urge residents to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity,” the department said in a statement.
