DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – A new scam is preying on people in Beavercreek by falsely claiming they’re under investigation for internet crimes against children or other serious criminal offenses.
According to the Beavercreek Police Department, multiple people have reported a scammer who is impersonating the department’s captain. After frightening the potential victim, the scammer demands payment, falsely claiming it is necessary to resolve the matter or to avoid arrest.
“The Beavercreek Police Department will never demand money over the phone to make a criminal investigation, warrant, charge or arrest go away. We will also never instruct you to purchase gift cards, send cryptocurrency, wire money or provide financial information to resolve a criminal allegation,” wrote the BPD.
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It shared a list of red flags to look out for; if the caller:
- Claims to be a police officer and demands immediate payment
- Insists you remain on the phone while you make a payment
- Pressures you to keep the conversation secret
- Requests cryptocurrency, gift cards, banking / other sensitive information
- Requests your Social Security number, passwords or wire transfers
- Threatens arrest or criminal charges if you don’t pay in the above or other unusual forms of payment
The most important things to remember if you receive a call like this are:
- Don’t panic. Scammers intentionally cause fear and a sense of urgency, leading to regrettable decisions; they isolate you and do not give you time to think or talk with someone you trust.
- Hang up. You will never get in trouble for hanging up on a scammer. Call the BPD using a verified phone number, 937-426-1225, not the one given by the scammer.
- Don’t pay or share information. Do not pay the scammer or give them your sensitive information.
“If you’ve received one of these calls, please report it to law enforcement. If you’ve already provided information or sent money, contact law enforcement as soon as possible. Please share this information with friends, family members, and anyone who may benefit from knowing about this scam,” wrote the BPD. “When in doubt: STOP. HANG UP. VERIFY.”…