Brian Hagberg
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Meadville-based Pennsylvania State Police are warning Crawford County residents of a new phone scam in the area.
According to a press release, police have received reports of residents receiving phone calls from people purporting to be either Meadville Police or Pennsylvania State Police. The scammers are requesting money in order to “prevent family members from being arrested.”
“The Pennsylvania State Police urges citizens to be extremely cautious,” the release said. “And to avoid providing personal information such as your social security number of bank account numbers to unknown persons over the phone or internet.”
The callers are “spoofing,” police say. “Spoofing” refers to a practice where a caller changes the Caller ID number to something other than the number where the call originates.
“The State Police wants to remind citizens to be extremely cautious,” the release said. “Law Enforcement Departments DO NOT contact individuals and ask for money, especially in order to avoid an individual from being arrested. Never give out personal information over the phone. If a call like this is received, you should hang up and call your local law enforcement agency.”
