Rocklin Police: Watch Out For This Scam

The Rocklin Police Department is currently investigating telephone scams involving requests for payment via pre-paid type debit cards.

Local businesses have reported receiving a telephone call from a spoofed (false caller ID) phone number which originates from a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone service.

The callers identify themselves as utility collections agents or employees from specific government agencies.  The caller threatens to shut off utility services or has threatened deportation out of the country. The victims are instructed to deliver payment to the suspect(s) via pre-paid debit type cards to avoid having utilities shut off or deportation.

Similar scams have been reported throughout the United States. If you receive a telephone call from one of these perpetrators, verify the legitimacy of the caller to protect yourself or your business. Hang up and contact the business by looking up the name of the business the caller provided and obtaining a contact phone number then verify with the business. Most legitimate businesses and the government will not demand payment via a pre-paid debt card.

If you feel you were a victim of this scam, contact the Rocklin Police Department or your local law enforcement agency for assistance.