Police department alerts public to rising number of fraudulent calls impersonating law enforcement

Sparta Police Dept is warning the public about an increasing number of fraudulent phone calls where individuals claim to represent law enforcement agencies. These scam calls often involve threats of arrest, legal action, or fines, and demand immediate payment or personal information.

The scammers may use spoofing technology to make it appear as if the calls are coming from legitimate law enforcement agencies, including local police departments or federal authorities.

“Scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their efforts to trick people into believing they are law enforcement officers,” said Nick Dunn, chief of Sparta Police Department. “We urge the public to stay vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from falling victim to these malicious schemes.”

How the Scam Works

Victims of the scam typically receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer. The caller may:

• Threaten arrest or other legal action if the recipient does not comply with their demands.
• Ask for sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or bank account details.
• Request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Claim that the victim’s identity has been stolen and used in criminal activity.

What to Do if You Receive a Fraudulent Call

If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be law enforcement, follow these steps:

1. Do not provide personal information: Legitimate law enforcement officers will never ask for sensitive information over the phone.
2. Do not make any payments: Law enforcement will never demand immediate payment or threaten you into providing financial information.
3. Hang up immediately: Avoid engaging with the caller.
4. Verify the caller’s identity: Contact your local law enforcement agency directly using a verified phone number to confirm whether the call was legitimate.
5. Report the incident: Report the fraudulent call to your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

If you have been targeted by a fraudulent call, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local law enforcement agency or file a complaint with the FTC. For more information on how to avoid phone scams, visit FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.govor the FTC’s website at identitytheft.gov.