Atherton residents have been put on alert by local police regarding a new wave of telephone scams. The Atherton Police Department has issued a warning about calls from individuals falsely claiming to be police officers in need of immediate funds for various fabricated emergencies, according to the Town of Atherton.
The fraudulent calls involve scenarios where the imposters demand money, citing urgent situations such as car accidents, muggings, or legal troubles. The scammers, adept in deception, aim to pressure victims into making hasty financial decisions. Utilizing services like FedEx, UPS, and MoneyGram for cash pickups or insisting on payment via gift cards, the scammer requests the victim to read aloud numbers from the back of these cards over the phone.
If doubts persist, contacting other known contacts related to the supposed caller can provide additional verification. Should suspicious activity be observed, residents are encouraged to immediately contact the Dispatch Center at (650) 688-6500.
