News
Released: March 24, 2011 - Thursday, 03:23 PM
In addition, a new variation actually uses a 7 year old customer list from a company that sold diet pills. Persons who purchased diet pills are being called by a male subject posing as a federal agent and claiming that the pills they ordered were laced with cocaine. The scam artist then says that he will be prosecuting persons associated with buying the pills, but if the person pays the fine today over the phone, no charges will be filed.
No such operation is underway. Persons who pose as law enforcement should be able to identify their agency and specific operational unit. Persons are advised to then look up the official phone numbers of that agency and verify the legitimacy of the investigation prior to taking any action regarding transfers of funds.
Scam Advisory
Contact: Rob BrynPhone: (805) 781-4547Date and time of incident: 3-24-11 NoonPlace of Occurrence: San Luis Obispo CountyVictim Information: N/ASuspect Information: VariousSan Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office crime prevention unit is issuing an alert for phone scams that continue to reach various parts of the county. The "Grandparent" scam typically has a person targeting elderly resident's phone to pose as a grandchild in jail or in the hospital in a foreign country and requesting money for bail or emergency medical treatment. This ploy, or a variation of this scam, has been attempted in the county for the last three years, however, it has returned in increasing numbers over the last three weeks.In addition, a new variation actually uses a 7 year old customer list from a company that sold diet pills. Persons who purchased diet pills are being called by a male subject posing as a federal agent and claiming that the pills they ordered were laced with cocaine. The scam artist then says that he will be prosecuting persons associated with buying the pills, but if the person pays the fine today over the phone, no charges will be filed.
No such operation is underway. Persons who pose as law enforcement should be able to identify their agency and specific operational unit. Persons are advised to then look up the official phone numbers of that agency and verify the legitimacy of the investigation prior to taking any action regarding transfers of funds.
