Phone Scam: Manhattan Beach Authorities Warn Of Bogus Calls

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Manhattan Beach authorities Thursday are warning residents to watch out for bogus phone calls from callers claiming to work for the police department.

The caller claims they have a warrant for the call recipient’s arrest and demand payment in the form of gift cards or Apple pay in order to avoid arrest, police said.

Technology allows the scammer to alter the Caller ID to make it appear that the call is coming from the Manhattan Beach Police Department’s NonEmergency Number which is 310-802-5100.

"Neither the Manhattan Beach Police Department nor any other City or Los Angeles County agency will call you to demand payment and threaten arrest for any matter," police said.

"If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Manhattan Beach Police Department or any other law enforcement or government agency demanding payment, immediately HANG UP," police said. "Under no circumstances should you provide the caller any personal information."

Anyone who has received one of these calls, or has been a victim of a phone scam, can call the
Manhattan Beach Police Department at 310-802-5140 to file a report.