SALT LAKE CITY— The Salt Lake City Police Department has received several calls from citizens reporting that our phone number is being used to scam people out of money. The caller will state that money is owed or that if money is not paid the police will come and make an arrest, this is a scam.

The scammer often uses “spoofing” technology that allows them to make their call appear to come from a legitimate source. This “spoofing” can also make it look like a utility or some other government agency is calling. These scammers may be calling from halfway around the world and pose no threat to you. Do not give in to them or you will lose your money.

Law enforcement will not call members of the public demanding money for any reason. The payment of warrants is handled through the courts system and not through local police agencies.

Tips to Avoid Common Fraud Schemes, from http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud:

• Don’t pay in advance for services. Pay for services only after they are delivered.
• Be wary of companies that want to send a messenger to your home to pick up money, claiming it is part of their service to you. In reality, they are taking your money without leaving any trace of whom they are or where they can be reached.
• Never send money or give out personal information — such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers — to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.
• Be aware that your personal information is often brokered to telemarketers through third parties.
• If you have been victimized once, be wary of persons who call offering to help you recover your losses for a fee paid in advance.

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