Photo by James Short.
Scammers are calling residents stating they are the police, seeking personal information
Did you know that scams cost Americans $7 billion due to fraud in 2023? According to a study on scams, Lending Tree found that one in seven residents of the U.S. that had reported fraud in 2023, had lost more than $10,000!
Perhaps you think that is a national problem, seldom impacting Pennsylvanians? But you’d be wrong. According to the study, the Keystone State alone had 126,576 fraud reports in the same year, with each resident losing around $1,250.
Do you still think that it could not happen to you? The Ambler Borough Police Department begs to differ.
Police announced on Tuesday via Crime Watch, that local scams are currently occurring featuring the department’s own name.
“Today, a resident received a phone call which came up on their caller ID as the Ambler Borough Police Department,” warned the department. “The scammer told the resident on the phone that they were involved in an ongoing investigation, and they needed to confirm their personal information.”
Ambler Police said this was not a call from their offices.
“Please never give personal information out to anyone,” they warned. “If you are concerned about a call you received, please call the police department to report it.”
Officials said this was not the first time a scam like this had happened in the borough.
“We usually get multiple calls like this, as the scammer is trying to get one person to give them their information,” said the warning.
Police warned residents that you should never give out information. If you think it may be the police, ask to hang up and dial the department directly yourself. This way, you can know you are dialing the proper channels. If you are still concerned, visit the station in person.
“If you received a call and did give out information, please contact us, 215-643-6444,” advised the Ambler department. “[Ambler Police] wanted to make the public aware that no one should provide their personal information over the phone.”
Residents may also report fraud or attempts to obtain personal information to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC operates a website at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/, which allows any person to report a potential scam.
FTC officials can direct you best on what to do, if you are unsure of the scammer or unwanted call. If you have local concerns, reach out to the Ambler Police Department at 215-643-6444 or stop by the department at 131 Rosemary Ave., Ambler, if you are unsure of your caller.
