SMPD provides preventative tips to deal with scammers

(KRON) – In light of the authorities being made aware that scammers were impersonating law enforcement, the San Mateo Police Department offered residents tips on not being scammed on social media. 

The department received notice that community members were called by impersonators. SMPD posted on its social media, “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that no law enforcement agency EVER calls you to let you know you have a warrant for your arrest or to demand payment for said ‘bail’ or citation.”

Police added that fraudsters can spoof their phone numbers, which is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity.

San Mateo PD explained that authorities may call residents, but not for monetary purposes. 

“While law enforcement may call you for a number of real reasons, it will NEVER be to collect money,” SMPD continued. “Another quick tip is that if someone is accepting payment via a gift card, bitcoin/crypto, gold coins, or wire transfers, that is a clear sign you’re dealing with a scammer.”