On Wednesday, the Sacramento Police Department warned city residents about an uptick in phone scams where callers pose as law‑enforcement officers and demand money. The department emphasized it will never call to ask for payment and urged people to treat any unexpected threat of arrest or request for cash with skepticism. The bulletin arrives as consumers nationwide report record losses to imposter and internet fraud.
The warning came in a social post from the Sacramento Police Department that listed seven tips to protect your information and bluntly stated, “SPD will never call and ask for money.” The post says scammers often pose as officers and demand payment over the phone; read the department’s advisory for the full list of safeguards.
How The ‘Officer’ Scam Typically Works
Scammers commonly spoof local numbers, threaten victims with arrest over alleged warrants, and pressure people to pay immediately by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency. National data show imposter schemes and other fraud are producing steep losses: according to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Data Book 2024, reported losses topped billions last year, and the FBI’s IC3 recorded more than $16 billion in internet crime losses in 2024; both agencies urge people to report suspected scams.
Local Agencies Are Pushing The Same Warning
Neighbors across the region have flagged similar impersonation calls this year, with sheriff and city agencies posting alerts about fake warrants and bail demands. Hoodline’s regional coverage highlights recent posts such as the Placer County Sheriff’s Office Warns residents after callers claimed missed jury duty and demanded payment.
What The Police Advise You To Do
The Sacramento advisory condenses the basics into seven practical steps: hang up on suspicious callers, never send money or codes, don’t provide personal or financial details, and verify any claim by calling a trusted number for your local agency. The department also stresses that requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency or third‑party “escrow” services are red flags and should be treated as scams.
If You Were Targeted: Steps To Take
If you think you or someone you care for was targeted, hang up immediately, contact your bank or payment provider, and report the incident to federal agencies at ReportFraud.FTC.gov and the FBI’s IC3 at IC3. For local verification or to file a non‑emergency report, see the Sacramento Police contact page for numbers and reporting options.
Scammers rely on pressure and secrecy — treating any urgent demand for payment as suspicious helps keep money in your pocket and criminals out of yours. Share the warning with older relatives and neighbors, and report suspicious calls so authorities can track patterns and try to stop the schemes.
