Burbank police warned people Tuesday about a caller ID spoofing scam involving calls that appear to be coming from the department’s official phone numbers.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, spoofing is when someone intentionally changes caller ID information to hide their identity and make the person they are calling more likely to answer. Scammers often use specific scripts in an attempt to steal money or personal information that can later lead to fraudulent activity.
Police say the alleged scammers may demand immediate payment by gift card or money order to avoid arrest on an outstanding warrant or criminal charge — something the department says it does not do.
Those who get a suspicious call are urged to hang up and not give out any personal or financial information. They can also contact the BPD’s non-emergency line at 818-238-3000 or the general information line at 818-238-3333 to verify the call’s legitimacy.
