Phone scammers are claiming to be calling from the University Park police station and demanding money as well threatening jail time to people who don’t comply, according to a Penn State Police news release.
The unknown scammers are attempting to disguise their identities by falsifying information transmitted to caller ID, making it appear as if the call is coming from Penn State police. The calls have been received by people across the country.
It’s common tactic that has impacted law enforcement and government agencies across the U.S. in recent years, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers often will call people to tell them they owe a debt or have won a prize.
The FTC advises that people should not to wire money or make payments with pre-paid debit cards, give the caller financial or personal information, or trust a caller ID name or number.
Those who receive such a scam call can report it by filing a complaint with the FTC. Include the date and time of the call, name of the government agency the imposter used, and any other details from the call.
‘If you receive an unexpected call from 814-863-1111, it’s OK to ignore it,’ the news release said. ‘If the call is legitimate, Penn State police will leave a message and then you can call back.
