Police warn of scam
Saturday, July 18, 2009
There is a new phone scam circulating, according to the Emporia Police Department.
Emporia Police Chief Gary Smith wrote in a press release that the scam is targeting individuals with the intent of obtaining Social Security numbers and credit card information.
Smith wrote that individuals receive a telephone call from someone pretending to be a court official who threatens the individual and says a warrant has been issued for their arrest because they failed to show up for jury duty.
“The scammer then asks the person to verify their Social Security number and date of birth and may ask for a credit card number so they can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant,” Smith said. “If you give out any of this information you identity has just been stolen. This scam has been reported in 11 states so far but none have been reported in Emporia and it is our intent to keep our residents informed to avoid anyone falling prey to this scam.”
Smith said that government workers would not call by phone for such a matter and would serve notice by mail or directly by a uniformed law enforcement official.
Callers who receive this type of call should hang up immediately and call the police department at 343-4200.