LOS ANGELES—On Wednesday, January 21, the Los Angeles Police Department reported on its website that the Wilshire Division is warning community members about a recent scam involving individuals impersonating LAPD officers over the phone. Scammers have been contacting residents, claiming to be police officers, and requesting personal or identifying information.
In some situations, they demand payment through pre-paid debit cards, wire transfers, or ask victims to deposit checks. Additionally, scammers have manipulated callback numbers to falsely display actual police station phone numbers.
Detectives may follow up with community members who have reported crimes, but the LAPD will never request payment or money during these calls.
What You Should Do if this transpires:
· Do not provide personal information or payment to unsolicited callers claiming to be law enforcement.
· If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and report it to your local police station.
Anyone with details or believe they are a victim of this type of crime should call Wilshire Detectives, at (213) 922-8205. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.
Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”
