Scammers have been impersonating Eden Prairie police officers in an effort to extort money from residents, the police department reported in a blog post Wednesday.
According to the post, the scam typically involves a phone call in which the caller claims the person has an outstanding warrant or fine. Victims are then pressured to pay using gift cards or cryptocurrency. The caller may use the name of a real officer – including Chief Matt Sackett – and may spoof the department’s phone number to make the call appear legitimate.
“To date we are not aware of anyone who has lost money on one of these scams,” the department wrote, “however, we would like to remind the community that no law enforcement agency will ask you for money, gift cards or cryptocurrency.”
The department advises residents to hang up immediately if they receive a suspicious call, avoid engaging with the caller, and not send any form of payment. Anyone who believes they have been targeted is encouraged to contact the Eden Prairie Police Department at 952-949-6200.
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