Scammers Posing As Aurora Police Officers
The Aurora Police Department took a report Wednesday (March 8, 2017) where a citizen received a phone call allegedly from Aurora police — and the department’s non-emergency number (630-256-5000) and “Aurora Police Department” came up on his caller ID.
When the Aurora resident answered, a female on the other end identified herself as “Kelly Smith” from the Aurora Police Department “Law Enforcement Division.” She stated that the man had a warrant out for his arrest for an unpaid loan and that he would be taken to jail tomorrow unless he paid $2,120 to U.S. Legal Support Services.
The woman gave the victim a number to call, which he did. A male answered the second call and reiterated the info given to the victim by “Kelly.” The victim refused to pay, hung up, and phoned the Aurora Police Department to make a report.
“This is the first instance where we are aware that scammers have used our phone number to try and soak money out of our citizens,” said Aurora Police Department spokesman Dan Ferrelli on the APD Facebook page. “Please realize this is a FRAUD. The Aurora Police Department would NEVER call you demanding money for an outstanding warrant — or any other reason for that matter.
“Also understand that these types of crimes are incredibly difficult to investigate because the crooks are many times located out of the country. The software they use is called ‘spoofing,’ which allows them to use what ever name and number they want, to appear on caller IDs.”
If you receive a similar call, the Aurora Police Department suggestions that simply hang up, then call the Police Department so investigators can keep track of the scope of the incidents.
SOURCE: Aurora Police Department Facebook page
