The Piedmont Police Department has issued a warning to residents about a new scam involving individuals impersonating police officers. Scammers are spoofing the department’s phone number and using the names, badge numbers, and even local addresses of real officers to appear credible. In some cases, they are sending fake law enforcement credentials via email to further deceive their targets.
Warning Signs of the Scam:
- Threats of Arrest or Demands for Payment: Scammers may threaten arrest or demand payment over the phone.
- Requests for Money or Financial Information: They might ask for money, gift cards, credit card information, payment through apps, or cryptocurrency.
Genuine Law Enforcement Officers will never demand immediate action or threaten arrest over the phone.
Protect Yourself:
- Verify: If you receive such a call, contact the official police department to confirm the officer’s credentials.
- Don’t Share: Never provide personal or financial information to unknown callers.
- Be Wary: Be cautious of unexpected calls claiming to be from the police.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious calls to the Piedmont Police Department immediately. The department emphasizes the importance of community awareness to prevent falling victim to these scams.
