The Centralia Police Department is warning area residents of a new scam that utilizes the Centralia Police Department’s non-emergency number with the caller identifying himself with the name of one of the police officers. The supposed officer also addresses the person being called by their name and tells them they have a federal warrant out for their arrest.
The resident who was called was instructed to go to Walgreens and send $2,400 in gift cards to settle the warrants.
Centralia Police Lieutenant Steve Whritenour says fortunately the resident didn’t fall for it and contacted the police station.
He said these scammers used a current officer’s name and spoofed the department’s non-emergency number, 618-533-7602.
Whritenour is once again reminding everyone that the Centralia Police Department will never ask anyone for money over the phone. You can always contact the police department at 618-533-7602 before you fall victim to one of these scams that he says are getting more and more brazen in an attempt to get your money.
