Police Warning Residents of Local Phone Scam
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The Columbia Police Department is warning of another phone scam that has targeted several residents in recent days.
Officials say the scam is similar to one that was first reported in June of 2015.
The scammer is reportedly posing as a law enforcement officer and telling the person that a legal matter needs to be resolved, and that the victim or a relative will be arrested or face hefty fines.
CPD offers the following safety tips regarding phone scams:
* If someone you don’t know asks for money over the phone, do NOT comply. Tell them not to call back.
* Do not engage in a lengthy conversation with the caller; Hang up the phone.
* If the call back number is fake and part of a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission and visit: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1
* If the calls continue, keep a detailed log of the times, topic and demands, then provide local police with the information to aid in the investigation.
Citizens with information about the crime are encouraged to contact CRIMESTOPPERS in any of the following ways: call 888-CRIME-SC 9888-274-6372). Text to CRIMES (274637), and mark the beginning of the message with “TIPSC,” followed by the tip information or visit www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the “Submit a tip” tab.
