By: Yuritza Arroyo
Mercer County authorities reported today that their Cyber Crimes Unit is investigating recent telephone scams where callers spoof the non-emergency telephone numbers for various police departments within Mercer County in an attempt to scam residents.
According to Mercer County officials, the scammers falsely claim the resident has a warrant for their arrest.
Officials say, as a reminder, law enforcement will never ask for payment of any type over the phone, nor will they ask for personal identifying information that could be used for fraudulent purposes.
Law enforcement and government agencies will also never ask you to pay by unusual methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Authorities say scammers research potential victims on the internet and social media.
Then they call and deceive their victims into thinking the callers are law enforcement officers, prosecutors, or police employees. Scammers may spoof a law enforcement telephone number, falsely showing it on the victim’s caller ID.
They threaten victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issues.
According to Police, should you receive a call from a police department within Mercer County or the Prosecutor’s Office, please confirm who you are speaking with.
Police say if you believe you received a scam telephone call, hang up and call the number back. If the call is legitimate, you'll be connected with a police dispatcher or receptionist who can verify the caller’s identity.
Report any scam calls to your local law enforcement agency.