Corpus Christi Police Department

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - The Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) wants to warn the community of a new phone scam. CCPD regularly receives reports from people who allege that they have received calls from scammers impersonating Officers or Federal Agents.

Impersonators make threats of arrest, deportation and license revocation if they do not receive immediate payment. The scammers then instruct the citizen to put money on a prepaid debit card or send payment via wire transfer, credit card, or cryptocurrency.

CCPD offers this advice to avoid getting scammed:

* Look out for “spoofing”. Part of scammers tactics include spoofing, which happens when the caller masks their own number and causes the number of a well-known Agency, like CCPD, to appear on caller ID. Also, the caller might give a badge number and know the last four digits of your Social Security number.

* Write down details. If you do get a call and are unsure, write down the phone number and name of the caller.

* Protect your personal information. Do not provide any personal or financial information over the phone.

* Know your rights. Corpus Christi Police Department will never request for prepaid debit cards or wire transfer payments, and will not ask for a credit card number over the phone.

* Don’t be bullied. Never trust callers who use threats and hostility to push you into doing what they want. Be skeptical of what a caller claims he or she can do if you refuse to meet their demand.

* Hang up and report it. If you’re unsure if the call is real, contact CCPD directly at 361-886-2600. You can also file a complaint with your local BBB.

*No legitimate business or law enforcement agency will accept payment through cryptocurrency.

As a reminder, the Corpus Christi Police Department will never demand payment from you, ask you for any private or financial information over the phone or threaten to bring the police or other federal law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.