LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lakeport Police Department said a scammer is using the identity of one of its officers in order to steal money from community members.
The agency said that it learned of the scam on Wednesday.
Police said an as-yet unidentified individual is impersonating Lakeport Police Sgt. Victor Rico with the intent to commit fraud.
The person called a victim stating he was Rico and that he had an arrest warrant for them, police reported.
Police said the scammer told the victim that they needed to bring cash money to an address to clear the warrant.
“Sgt. Victor Rico does work for our agency but he nor any other Lakeport Police Officers made this call and would not make calls like this,” the Lakeport Police Department said in a statement. “We do not call people and tell them we have warrants for them or are arresting them and ask them to bring cash to a location. These circumstances are concerning with a subject wanting a victim to bring cash to an address.”
The police department said it has received similar recent reports of individuals identifying themselves as local law enforcement and calling victims threatening them with arrest and attempting to scam money.
“Law enforcement does not operate in this manner. Do not engage with these callers or give them any personal information,” the Lakeport Police Department said.
Those who have experienced a similar call from someone purporting to be a Lakeport Police officer can report it to the agency at 707-263-5491.
Lakeport Police Department warns of scam involving impersonation of an officer
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS