Phone scammers posing as Berkeley police are trying to shake people down for money

Berkeley police have warned that scammers have “spoofed” their main phone number. Credit: Kelly Sullivan

Berkeley police are warning residents to beware of phone scammers posing as police employees, demanding money and threatening to arrest their targets.

The scammers have “spoofed” the department’s main phone number, making it seem to their targets as though the targets are receiving calls from the department’s main line, 510-981-5900, police said in an electronic alert sent Thursday morning.

The “callers are claiming that you or a family member have committed a criminal offense — requiring you to make payment over the telephone,” the alert read. “A legitimate law enforcement agency will not call you to demand money,” or threaten you with arrest when they do, the alert read.

BPD offered these tips for those who receive these calls:

“Don’t feel pressured to act. Scammers may have some public information about you (like your name and address), but that does not mean they are legitimate. Verify by contacting the appropriate agency directly using customer service info on their public websites. “The Berkeley Police Department will never demand payment by phone. Do not share your credit card number, personal information, or other financial information. Do not wire transfer money or transfer funds to anyone you do not know. “Share what you know with others. By telling your friends and family members about the scam, you can help protect your community.”