TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Police Department is warning members of the community about a recent wave of phone scams where suspects have been impersonating law enforcement and other official agencies.
TPD reported that in recent cases, scammers have been using fake phone numbers combined with real agency names to pressure victims into willingly handing over their money or personal information.
The most common scam calls reported in Tampa are as follows:
- Emergency Scams – Victims are told a loved one has been arrested or involved in a serious crash and the scammers will then demand money for bail or medical expenses.
- Spoofed Agency numbers – Scammers will impersonate law enforcement or banks to appear legitimate.
- Retail Barcode Scams – Victims are sent a barcode with instructions to scan it at the register of a major retailer and make a payment.
- Bank Fraud Impersonation – Victims are told their bank account has been compromised and are instructed to withdraw cash or give up their debit card.
To protect yourself from such calls, TPD urges that you never give out personal or financial information to an unknown caller, and don’t trust the caller ID. If there is any doubt, then hang up and call the agency or business directly to verify…