Phone scam

The Corpus Christi Police Department wants to warn our citizens of a phone scam.

The reporting party told our officers that they received a call from a scammer claiming to be a detective with our department. The scammer then told the reporting party that they had a subpoena that was issued for a federal child case and that if they did not meet the caller would be placed on a 72-hour hold.

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CCPD offers this advice to avoid getting scammed:

* Look out for “spoofing”. Part of scammers tactics include spoofing, which happens when the caller masks their own number and causes the number of a well-known Agency, like CCPD, to appear on caller ID.  Also, the caller might give a badge number and know the last four digits of your Social Security number.

* Write down details.  If you do get a call and are unsure, write down the phone number and name of the caller.

* Protect your personal information. Do not provide any personal or financial information over the phone.

* Know your rights.  Corpus Christi Police Department will never request for prepaid debit cards or wire transfer payments and will not ask for a credit card number over the phone.

* Don’t be bullied.  Never trust callers who use threats and hostility to push you into doing what they want. Be skeptical of what a caller claims he or she can do if you refuse to meet their demand.

* Hang up and report it. If you’re unsure if the call is real, contact CCPD directly at 361-886-2600.  The Corpus Christi Police Department will never demand payment from you, ask you for any private or financial information over the phone or threaten to bring the police or other federal law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.

*You can also file a complaint with your local BBB.

Do not fall victim to these scams!