Residents of Rancho Cucamonga are being tricked by a cunning phishing scam, and local police are sounding the alarm. The scheme, which came to light on the morning of April 9, involves a sneaky impersonator who "spoofs" the caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from the police station itself. The scammer provides a bogus name, badge number, and case number to make the ruse more convincing.

According to the Rancho Cucamonga Police, the male caller has been attempting to dupe residents into believing they are mixed up in criminal activities or that a warrant is out for their arrest. The perpetrator then asks for personal information or demands money to "clear the arrest warrant,” exploiting their fear and trust in the authority of the law. If you've been targeted by the scam or suspect a caller is not who they claim to be, authorities urge that you contact the Sheriff's non-emergency dispatch at (909) 941-1488.

This phishing gambit is the latest in a series of fraudulent activities that prey on the unsuspecting. "The caller attempted to scare the victim into believing their identity had been used to commit a crime or that a warrant was out for their arrest," the police department stated in an advisory published on their Nixle feed. Victims are led down a path of deceit, as the scammer coerces them into revealing personal information or sending money under pretenses.

Officials are calling on anyone with knowledge about this phishing operation to step forward. Confidential tips can be relayed to the Rancho Cucamonga Station at (909) 477-2800 or through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), and tipsters can remain anonymous. The chances are that these scammers are casting a wide net, and the next call could happen to anyone. Details about this case have been described in a press release accessible at Nixle, and citizens are encouraged to stay aware and vigilant.