The Gastonia Police Department has issued a warning about a new phone scam targeting local residents. According to a social media post, scammers have been calling individuals, posing as Sergeant Shane Johnson from the department, and demanding personal information while threatening legal action.
The fraudulent phone call, which came from a 704 area code, left a voicemail with deceptive information intended to sound legitimate. The Gastonia Police Department's alert, described the tactics used by the scammer, which included false claims that a subpoena was being issued and that an officer would follow up with a call.
According to the department's announcement, the scammer asked for personal information such as full names, but residents should remember that "Gastonia Police officers will NEVER call and ask for personal information or issue subpoenas over the phone." The department's physical address was incorrectly cited as being at 420 W. Franklin Blvd. by the scammer, an address unrelated to the police department's operations.
For those receiving such calls, the guidance is clear: Hang up immediately and do not share any information. The department's post reminds us that "law enforcement does not collect money." Concerned citizens are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of any such claims by reaching out to the Gastonia Police Department through their non-emergency number at (704) 866-6702.
