Police Warn of New Amber Alert Scam
A Warning from the California Highway Patrol
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has issued a warning about a disturbing new scam that is targeting unsuspecting victims. The scam involves fake Amber Alerts being sent to people’s phones, claiming that a child is missing and in danger.
How the Scam Works
The scam typically begins with a text message or social media post claiming that a child has gone missing and that the police are searching for them. The message will often include a photo of a child and a description of the child’s clothing and location. The scammer will then ask the recipient to call a phone number or visit a website to provide more information.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
There are several red flags that you can look out for to avoid falling victim to this scam. First, be wary of any messages that are vague or lack specific details about the missing child. Second, be cautious of messages that ask you to call a phone number or visit a website to provide more information. Finally, be suspicious of messages that are sent to you out of the blue, without any prior contact or relationship.
What to Do If You Receive a Fake Amber Alert
If you receive a fake Amber Alert, do not respond to the message or call the phone number provided. Instead, report the message to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). You can also report the message to your phone’s service provider and ask them to block the number.
Conclusion
The California Highway Patrol is urging people to be vigilant and to report any suspicious messages to the authorities. By being aware of this scam and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help prevent it from spreading and keep your personal information safe.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I receive a fake Amber Alert?
A: Do not respond to the message or call the phone number provided. Instead, report the message to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). You can also report the message to your phone’s service provider and ask them to block the number.
Q: How can I avoid falling victim to this scam?
A: Be wary of any messages that are vague or lack specific details about the missing child. Be cautious of messages that ask you to call a phone number or visit a website to provide more information. Finally, be suspicious of messages that are sent to you out of the blue, without any prior contact or relationship.
Q: What should I do if I have already fallen victim to this scam?
A: Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). You can also report the incident to your phone’s service provider and ask them to block the number. Additionally, consider changing your phone number and password to prevent further fraud.
