Police Impersonation Phone Scams NR22361mc

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of multiple community members who have received telephone calls from an individual claiming to be a Los Angeles Police Officer, requesting personal and identifying information including social security number.

The Los Angeles Police Department wishes to caution the public about such fraudulent phone calls that may involve requests for personal information, demands for payment using pre-pay debit cards, wire transfers, or the depositing of a check. Although it is possible that citizens who have previously contacted the police to report a crime may be contacted by a detective for additional information, such calls will never involve a request for payment or money.

Should you receive a suspicious call from a person believed to be a police impersonator, do not provide any personal information and hang up the phone. Immediately contact your local police department to verify the information.

Anyone with further information regarding this matter may contact the LAPD’s Media Relations Division at (213)-486-5910. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). 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 visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.