Johnston Police Warn Residents of Impersonation Scam.
The Johnston Police Department (JPD) are urging residents to be vigilant and exercise extreme caution after receiving reports of a scammer impersonating a police officer. The department has issued a public warning, advising citizens to be aware of the tactics used by these individuals and how to protect themselves.
According to reports received by the JPD, the impersonator has been contacting residents, primarily via phone, claiming to be an officer with the Johnston Police Department. Often, they will fabricate a scenario involving outstanding warrants, unpaid fines, or alleged legal infractions. The scammer then attempts to pressure the victim into providing personal information, such as social security numbers, credit card details, or banking information, to ‘resolve’ the issue and avoid arrest.
The scammer often uses aggressive and intimidating language to create a sense of urgency and panic, hoping to pressure victims into complying before they have time to think critically. They may also use caller ID spoofing to make the call appear to be coming from the Johnston Police Department or other legitimate law enforcement agency.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from this scam:
* Never provide personal or financial information over the phone to someone you don’t know, especially if they are demanding it. This includes your social security number, credit card information, bank account details, or any other sensitive information.
* Be wary of unsolicited phone calls from individuals claiming to be from law enforcement or government agencies.
* Verify the caller’s identity. If you are unsure if the caller is legitimate, hang up and contact the agency directly using a publicly available phone number. You can find the Johnston Police Department’s number on their official website or through a reliable directory.
* Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly.
* Do not be intimidated by threats. Legitimate law enforcement agencies will not threaten you over the phone.
* Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
What to do if you receive a suspicious call:
* Hang up immediately.
* Do not engage with the caller.
* Report the incident to the Johnston Police Department. Provide as much information as possible, including the phone number the scammer called from, the name the scammer used, and a description of the conversation.
* Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.
The Johnston Police Department is committed to protecting the community from scams and fraud. By staying informed and following these simple precautions, residents can help prevent themselves from becoming victims of these criminals. Remember, if you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of a call, it is always best to err on the side of caution and contact the Johnston Police Department directly.
