City of Santa Rosa, CA, CivicReady Public Safety Alerts & Notifications

SRPD News Release: Uptick in Phone Scams

Uptick in Phone Scams

Following several recent reports, the Santa Rosa Police Department is advising residents to be cautious of phone scams in which callers falsely claim to be federal agents or other law enforcement officers.

In these schemes, the caller tells the victim that they have been selected to help with a confidential investigation, surveillance operation, or "sting." The victim is told their cooperation is urgently needed, sworn to secrecy, and then directed to move or hand over money  often by withdrawing cash, purchasing gift cards or precious metals, wiring funds, or transferring money to a cryptocurrency account. The callers can be convincing, using real agency names, fake badge numbers, spoofed caller ID, and official-looking documents sent by email or text.

Remember:
  • No legitimate law enforcement agency will ever ask you to withdraw money, buy gift cards or gold, wire funds, or transfer cryptocurrency as part of an investigation. Not ever, under any circumstance.
  • Law enforcement will not ask you to keep an investigation secret from your family or your bank.
  • Law enforcement will not threaten you with arrest over the phone to pressure you into paying or cooperating.
  • Never hand cash or valuables to anyone who comes to your home claiming to be acting on behalf of a government agency.
  • Caller ID can be faked. A call that appears to come from a government agency may not be.
  • Hang up. Do not engage, do not confirm personal information, and do not follow instructions. Then verify independently by calling the agency back at a publicly listed number you look up yourself.
  • Talk to someone you trust before moving any money. Scammers rely on isolation and urgency.
  • Recent scams have included placing money into rideshare vehicles or couriers as a means to deliver the money.  
If you believe you have been contacted by one of these scammers, or if you have already sent money, contact the Santa Rosa Police Department at 707-528-5222.

Victims should not feel embarrassed to come forward. These schemes are professionally run and designed to deceive, and prompt reporting can sometimes help recover funds. 

Media Contact:
Sgt. T. Potter
tpotter@srcity.org
 
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