Police Warn of Scammers Impersonating Officers in Video Calls

Police are warning the public about a new scam involving video calls from individuals claiming to be police officers. The scammers, who are calling from a Pakistani phone number, are dressed in police uniforms and have a logo of the Malta Police Union visible in the background during the calls.

During these fraudulent video calls, the scammers attempt to trick unsuspecting individuals into disclosing sensitive personal information, including bank account details and identification documents. Several people have already reported receiving such calls, prompting the police to issue an official warning on their Facebook page.

The police emphasize that they will never ask for bank details over the phone or through a video call. They urge the public not to fall for these scam calls and to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited video calls from unknown numbers.

Why this matters: As scammers become more sophisticated in their methods, it is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and aware of potential scams. Impersonating police officers is a serious offense that can erode public trust in law enforcement.

This is not the first time scammers have attempted to impersonate police officers. In the summer of 2021, similar incidents were reported. More recently, the Simi Valley Police Department in Ventura County, California, warned residents about scam telephone calls from individuals claiming to be police officers and demanding money to resolve alleged arrest warrants.

The Simi Valley Police Department confirmed that these calls are fake and do not involve any of their officers or the department. They advise people not to call the number provided by the scammer and to contact the police department directly if they are unsure about the legitimacy of a call.

In Taylor County, Texas, scammers have been calling residents and posing as various officers from the Taylor County Sheriff's Office (TCSO), such as Captain Smart, Lieutenant Jones, or Sergeant Griffin. The scammers demand money from the victims and ask them to deposit the funds into Coin Star kiosks. The TCSO has confirmed that they never call and demand money for anything, and residents are advised to report such incidents immediately.

As the police continue to investigate these scam calls, they remind the public to be cautious and never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers. If in doubt, individuals should hang up and contact their local police department directly to verify the legitimacy of any calls claiming to be from law enforcement officials.

Key Takeaways

• Scammers impersonating police officers in video calls to obtain personal info
• Scammers using Pakistani phone numbers and police uniforms to appear legitimate
• Police warn they will never ask for bank details over phone or video call
• Similar scams reported in Simi Valley, CA and Taylor County, TX
• Public advised to be cautious and verify legitimacy of any police calls