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Telephone Scam Notification

By September 2, 2021Press Releases

The Columbia Police Department (CPD) cautions citizens about a recent phone scam involving a false representation of law enforcement asking for money or making threats of arrest.

Scammers are posing as a CPD officer and provides the real name of the officer and real call back number to make the phone call appear legitimate. Fraudsters may also use technology to disguise their number on caller ID. These are attempts to hide the scammer’s true identity and prevent the victim from calling back to verify the call.

The caller may advise that financial payment is required to settle a law enforcement matter at the City of Columbia Municipal Court or elsewhere.

CPD offers the following safety tips regarding phone scams:

  • If someone you don’t know asks for money or a pre-paid card over the phone, do NOT
  • Do NOT engage in a lengthy conversation with the caller; Hang up the phone
  • If the calls continue, keep a detailed log of the times, topic and demands, and call the police with the information to help the case.
  • Caller may say that you have been ‘selected’ for an offer and payment is required to receive it.
  • Legitimate law enforcement agencies do NOT make threats or ask for payment over the phone.
  • Do NOT send cash, gift cards, or use a money transfer app to avoid criminal repercussions.
  • Government agencies will not call you to confirm personal information.
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