In a disturbing development, the San Antonio Police Department has issued a warning to residents about an ongoing scam targeting unsuspecting individuals. Scammers, using deceptive tactics, are contacting residents by phone, pretending to be affiliated with the police department and claiming that the recipient is under investigation.

The scam operates by spoofing the caller ID, displaying a city number that appears to originate from the San Antonio Police Department, making it seem legitimate. The scammers then inform the victims that they are the subject of an investigation and attempt to extort money from them to supposedly resolve the fabricated situation. They request immediate payment to be made into their designated account.

Law enforcement authorities have emphasized that these calls are fraudulent, and the San Antonio Police Department does not engage in such practices. Citizens should be cautious and vigilant to avoid falling victim to this scam.

"The San Antonio Police Department will NEVER contact citizens and ask for a payment, via phone, or to transfer money to a certain account," stated the department spokesperson. "We want the public to remain alert and verify the legitimacy of any calls they receive before providing personal information or making any monetary transactions."

To protect themselves, individuals are advised to exercise caution when speaking with unknown callers, particularly those claiming to be law enforcement officers. It is important to verify the identity of the person on the other end of the line by asking for their full name, rank, and badge number. Genuine police officers will not hesitate to provide this information.

Additionally, the San Antonio Police Department urges residents to report any suspicious calls or encounters to the local authorities immediately. By promptly reporting these incidents, residents can help law enforcement agencies in their efforts to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.

If you believe to be a victim of a scam, please call SAPD’s nonemergency number at 210-207-7273, to make a police report.