Law enforcement impersonators scam Anderson residents via cell phone

ANDERSON, Calif. — The Anderson Police Department (APD) says they have seen a recent spike in law enforcement impersonators scamming Anderson residents via cell phone.

The APD says community members have stated that callers contact them claiming to be members of the “Anderson Police Fraud Unit.” The impersonator has reportedly referred to the person's name, tells them the call is being recorded and even requests payment for alleged services.

One major issue with these scams is that the impersonators can even spoof a legitimate police agency phone number and as a way to manipulate the victim.

There is no “Anderson Police Fraud Unit” and no government agency takes gift cards as a form of payment, according to police.

Anderson Police Department Detective and Sergeant, Mike Hallagan, told KRCR about this increase in scams. "They tell the people that they call that they have outstanding warrants and that they need to pay to clear that warrant, oftentimes those payment requests are paid with apple pay or gift cards of some sort and that's just not how business is conducted.” Hallagan continued, “law enforcement will never call you and advise you that you have a warrant and you need to clear it by buying fit cards and sending them electronically. That's just not something that takes place. "

If you are a resident of Anderson and fall victim to these scammers with financial loss, you are encouraged to file a report by calling the APD Non-Emergency line at (530) 245-6526.