Law Enforcement Phone Scams
July 31, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that the East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit has seen a spike in law enforcement phone scams. Scam suspects are posing as real law enforcement officers on the phone and requesting payment for outstanding warrants. The scam starts with the suspect calling the victim on the phone. The suspect spoofs their phone number to appear as if they are calling from a real law enforcement agency, like the Thousand Oaks Police Station. The scam suspect pretends to be a deputy or law enforcement officer and tells the victim they have an outstanding fine, missed court summons, or arrest warrant and request payment.
The suspects convince the victims to send money to resolve the “serious criminal issue.” The scam suspect will have the victim drive to different businesses to buy gift cards or prepaid cards like GO2Bank/Greendot/MoneyPak/VISA cards or send money using electronic means, such as transfers like Cash App. The scam suspect will keep the victims on the phone, so they do not ask friends or family for advice, and until they provide the gift card information to complete the money transfer.
The East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit has learned that scam suspects regularly use internet phone numbers using free mobile applications to commit the crimes and hide their real location. The Fraud/Forgery Unit would like to warn the public of these scams. In the past, suspects targeted therapists and counselors on numerous occasions. It was believed therapists were targeted due to their professional information which was easily accessible online.
We would like to remind the public, law enforcement agencies WILL NOT ask citizens to pay for bills, fines, bail or warrants over the phone or email and payment via prepaid cards, electronic money transfers, or bitcoin machines. If you receive a call as described above, we recommend citizens HANG UP, block the number (if possible), and do not send money or purchase gift cards. If you are unsure or concerned you may be involved in a scam, you can contact the Thousand Oaks Police Department at 805-494-8200. The Thousand Oaks Police Department’s scam hotline, 805-371-8327, can be used to report information reference any unsuccessful scam attempts. If you are a victim of a scam, please contact the Sheriff’s Dispatch non-emergency number at 805-654-9511 to make a report.
The East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit continues to combat scams by giving presentations to our community in the city of Thousand Oaks to inform them about how scams operate and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
Nature of Incident: Law Enforcement Phone Scams
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
Date & Time: 6/30/2023
Unit(s) Responsible: East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit
Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
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