The Hollister Police Department is alerting residents to a scam involving someone impersonating a police officer over the phone.
Police released a statement notifying residents of the current phishing scam that involves someone masking their phone numbers to show up on caller I.D. as a local number.
Once answered, the scammer tells the people he is a specific lieutenant with the HPD – and that they must give an amount of money on a prepaid card or else a warrant will be issued against them. The suspected scammer then tells them the warrant is due for missing jury duty.
According to the statement from police:
The Hollister Police Department will never call to request money. If you are ever in doubt, hang up call our main line (831) 636-4330. If you receive any calls like this, please call and report it.
Tips to protect yourself:
• Don’t assume that the information displayed on your phone, regarding who the caller is, is accurate, any phone number can be masked.
• Never wire money to anyone with whom you are not familiar
• Never give out personal or financial information over the phone unless you know EXACTLY whom you’re dealing with.
• If you have doubts about who’s on the phone, call the main number back rather than talking to the person who calls you.
If anyone has information related to this investigation please contact the Hollister Police Department at 831-636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
