Long Beach Police Warn of Scammers Impersonating Law Enforcement

Impersonation Scam Alert

• 🚨 Scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers, including federal agents like the US Marshals and ATF, to defraud victims.
• 💰 These criminals are targeting individuals and demanding money through various methods, including cash withdrawals, gift cards, and wire transfers, leading to losses of tens of thousands of dollars.

Tactics Used by Scammers

• 📞 Scammers call victims claiming they are under investigation and will be arrested unless they pay.
• 📱 They utilize sophisticated caller ID spoofing to make their calls appear legitimate, mimicking official agency numbers.
• ⚠️ Victims are pressured to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or wire money, often under threats of arrest.

How to Protect Yourself

• 🚫 Never share personal information such as credit card numbers or banking account details with unsolicited callers.
• 🕵️ Real law enforcement will not call to demand money; they will typically make arrests in person.
• 💡 If you receive a suspicious call, the best advice from investigators is to hang up immediately and end the conversation.
• 🗣️ Police emphasize the importance of getting the word out to inform the public and help prevent others from becoming victims.