This week, authorities warn phone scam in San Mateo, police will never ask for money, gift cards or personal information over the phone.
Bay City News [BCN]. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
Scammers posing as police detectives have recently been calling residents and asking for gift cards, police said this week.
The caller's phone number may look legitimate, but authorities said it is a scam and advise residents to hang up and block the number. The call can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ .
Legitimate calls from the San Mateo Police Department will usually show up as "unknown" since the department's lines are blocked. Police will never ask for money, gift cards or personal information over the phone.
When the police call, it is usually to inform or ask residents to take action for their safety.
Whenever a resident is not sure who is calling, they can call the police station number at (650) 522-7700.
More information is available on a scam alert website at https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4091 and at the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0208-phone-scams.
