Albion PD warns of phone scammers pretending to be police officers

Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle

ALBION – The Albion Police Department is warning people about another phone scam making its rounds in the area.

This scam involves someone pretending to be a police officer who tells the victim(s) that there is a warrant out for their arrest or that they have pending criminal charges.

During the phone call the scammer will usually ask the victim(s) for money or some type of monetary gift card i.e.) Apple, Sephora, Razer Gold etc. The scammer will state that the victim(s) can purchase these cards and provide them with the information on the card to avoid being arrested.

Scammers are very convincing.  They’ll provide you with a badge number, names of law enforcement officials and judges and courthouse addresses. They will spoof the phone number so it appears on caller ID as if it is coming from a government agency or the court.

During the phone call, the scammer will tell the victim(s) not to tell anyone what is going on and to keep the matter private.

The Albion Police Department wants to remind everyone that these are fraudulent calls and that police departments will not call individuals over the phone and ask for personal information such as bank accounts, social security numbers, credit card information etc.

If you receive a call asking for any of the above information along with any individual asking for gift cards or money in lieu of being arrested the phone call is fraudulent in nature and you are being scammed.

The Albion Police Department asks that if you are a resident of the Village of Albion and have any questions, comments or concerns or believe that you may have possibly been a victim or target please call the Albion Police Department at 585-589-5627.