The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is issuing a public alert about a rise in phone scams involving individuals impersonating deputies to exploit residents.
Posing as deputy sheriffs or LA County Sheriff’s Department employees, these scammers intimidate targets through phone calls and emails, often demanding money.
Authorities note that these criminals meticulously research potential victims on social media and other online sources before initiating contact. By presenting themselves as law enforcement officers or government agency employees, they aim to lend credibility to their fraudulent demands.
To further deceive, scammers use technology to spoof their phone numbers, so it seems the call is coming directly from the sheriff’s office or a similar agency on the victim’s caller ID. This sophisticated tactic further convinces victims of the legitimacy of the call, increasing the likelihood of compliance.
As described by the LASD, perpetrators impersonate law enforcement officials, threatening victims with arrest for alleged outstanding warrants or other legal matters.
Scammers demand a “resolution” of the matter by “posting bail” with unconventional payment methods like gift cards or Bitcoin.
Scammers instruct victims to buy these items and then relay the gift card numbers or Bitcoin keys over the phone.
After obtaining payment information, scammers abruptly end the call, defrauding the victim.
The public is encouraged to stay alert and report any activities fitting this description to the authorities. The LASD offers several essential tips to help residents protect themselves against these deceptive tactics:
Verify Independently
Confirm the identity of suspicious callers or emailers by searching for official contact information online or in a phone book, ignoring any contact details they provide.
Resist Pressure
Hang up if threatened or pressured and verify the caller’s claims independently. Legitimate officials will never rush you and will allow time for verification.
Protect Your Financial Information
Do not send money or disclose your banking, credit card, or personal information to unverified individuals.
Understand Official Procedures
Be aware that LASD staff or government agency representatives will never request payments over the phone. Financial dealings occur only at official sites like stations and courthouses.
The LASD strongly advises caution and reporting any scam call incidents to local authorities.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
