Scammers Stealing PIN Numbers, Debit Cards In Walnut Creek: Police

WALNUT CREEK, CA — The Walnut Creek Police Department advised the community of a current scam trending throughout the area.

According to police, there have been reports of couples approaching citizens after they watched them at the ATM or as they entered a PIN number while in line at a store.

"The couple will follow the victim and claim the victim dropped a bill of some value and while the victim is distracted, take their wallet or debit card," Walnut Creek police said. "The card will then be used to make fraudulent purchases at a store, or to withdraw large sums of cash from an ATM."

Should any residents fall victim to a crime like this, Walnut Creek police advised them to call the dispatch center at 925-935-6400.

"We pass on this information in hopes that our citizens continue to be cognizant of their surroundings and stay safe," police said.

Police also reminded residents to never give their personal information over the phone, as there is a scam involving calls that appear to come from a police department phone number. The scammers pose as police officers or a deputy and ask the victims for personal information.

If residents want to confirm whether they are really speaking with a law enforcement officer, Walnut Creek police said to call the publicly listed dispatch number for that department and ask if the officer works there, then ask for a call back from them.