Local law enforcement is warning residents of a telephone scammers posing as officers looking for money.
According to information from the Flagstaff Police Department, several victims in the city and the county have received phone calls the scammers, who would state that the person being called recently received a photo radar ticket or red light violation and had to pay a fine.
The callers would lend credence to the story by appearing to collect the fine on behalf of the city’s Traffic Court. The callers would correctly use the victims’ names as well.
According to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the callers would instruct the victims to go to a local retail outlet and get a “Green Dot” pre-paid debit card for $250 to pay the fine.
One reluctant victim was told by a caller that he would immediately send deputies to make an arrest if the caller didn’t pay the fine.
Police officials would like to stress that neither the police the department nor the sheriff’s office collect fines or fees, and those requests for payment are not made on the phone, Internet or at a residence.
So far, nobody who has reported receiving the calls have been duped by the scam.
The sheriff’s office issued the following measures to avoid being scammed:
— Never give out credit card, checking or savings account information over the phone to anyone who calls you.
— Place your name on a Do Not Call List.
— Ask the caller to send you information about their products and services. Legitimate companies are often happy to mail you a pamphlet or brochure about what they sell.
— If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Residents who have received this calls or who might have information about the scams are asked to contact the police department at (928) 774-1414, or Silent Witness at 774-6111.