It's a convincing story and Chandler police are warning the public to not to fall for it.
Chandler police say they have received reports of someone calling victims,claiming they are from the Chandler Police Department with a story about a warrant or fees or even taxes that are owned. The voice says payment is due now and if not paid over the phone they threaten arrest or a variety of other consequences.
Investigators say what makes this scam seem legitimate is the voice revealing personal information about the victim such as date of births, addresses and other sensitive data.
The scammers are also using a technique called "spoofing" making the incoming call appear to be from the police department or another government agency.
"They tend to target the elderly, but we have seen recently that they are pretty much targeting people that may be in a vulnerable position," Chandler Police Department Detective Seth Tyler said.
The scam has also been found online, in adult orientated chat rooms, according to Chandler police.
investigators say the police department does make calls, to alert people of outstanding warrants, but they never ask for money or collect money over the phone.
If you receive a phone call, make sure to ask for a badge number of the person calling then independently verify that information by calling the Chandler Police Department.
Police warn to not give a debit or credit card number over the phone.
