Phone Scammers Impersonate Police In Cherry Hill: What To Do If They Call You

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Phone scammers have been imitating the Cherry Hill Police Department. Thanks to modern technology, their caller ID may contain the agency's real number.

The scammers have asked residents to pay fines over the phone, told them they have active warrants, asked for donations, and told them a family member has been arrested, the CHPD said Thursday.

They also appear to be "spoofing" their caller ID, police said. So when the scammers call, it could display on your phone as the Cherry Hill Police Department or the agency's non-emergency number: 856-665-1200.

Cherry Hill police will never call you to ask you to pay a fine or to inform you of a warrant. The CHPD also says it's not soliciting monetary donations.

Never provide credit card numbers of personal information over the phone to unverified people or businesses.

"If you believe you have been a victim of this scam please DO NOT give the caller any of your personal or financial information, hang up, and call the non-emergency line 856-665-1200," the police department said. "Please be sure you do not call the number back. To do so, type in the number into your phone instead."

Here are some of the FCC's tips for detecting a spoofed number:

• If you get an unexpected or suspicious call, do not give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords or other identifying information.
• Use caution if you're immediately pressured for information.
• If the caller says they represent a company or government agency, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company's or government agency's website to verify the request. You will usually get a written statement in the mail before you get a phone call from a legitimate source requesting payment.