Millbrook police issue scam alert

Millbrook police want you to be aware of an ongoing scam so that you can keep from becoming a victim.

Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson says the scam operates like this:

Someone tries to get money from a business or person by calling them, claiming to be a local, state or federal law enforcement official. The person mentions some type of investigation and threatens arrest if the victim fails to obey the caller’s instructions.

Johnson says this extortion tactic has been developing in our area and across the country. During the call, the caller will state that the victim has a relative in custody who needs a bond or fines to be paid for the person in custody to be released or have their criminal charges cleared.

In a recent call, Johnson says a local store was contacted by a person claiming to be a state law enforcement agent, who said they were conducting an investigation. The caller told the store clerk to remove cash from the business’s safe and all cash receipts taken in by the business on the date in question and meet at another location.

When the clerk began to ask questions, Johnson says the caller told the clerk that they would be subject to arrest.

Johnson says law enforcement will not contact anyone by phone for the purpose of collecting fines or asking assistance, which involves the transfer of cash or other financial considerations, either in person or electronically.

He says fortunately, the clerk in his most recent case disengaged from the phone conversation immediately, contacting her
immediate supervisor and the business owner, who promptly contacted law enforcement.

He says if you get a similar call, you should immediately cease contact with the individual and notify your local law enforcement agency immediately. Do not give any individual any personal identifying information or communicate with them electronically, as you are potentially providing them access to information that may be exploited.