UPDATE 12:37 p.m.
APD Sergeant John Taylor said the investigation is still in its preliminary stages but so far, nobody has fallen for the scam. Taylor also said the department has not seen a phone scam like this before — where the caller is impersonating an officer.
Taylor said the scammer typically asks for green card or debit card information. The caller may also be using a throwaway phone.
Anyone with information regarding the scammer can call Atascadero police at (805) 461-5051.
Original story
The Atascadero police department is warning residents about a phone scammer pretending to be a police officer.
Police say the scammer calls victims and gives them a fake name, badge number and case number and tells them there is a warrant out for their arrest.
The call goes on to tell victims to send money via wire or gift cards.
The department confirms they are not making these calls — and recommends to not comply with the con.
Anyone with information regarding the scammer can call Atascadero police at (805) 461-5051.
