Beware of Police Impersonation Scam in Hillsboro

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LOCAL SCAM ALERT: Hillsboro Residents Warned About Police Impersonation Scheme

By Ciara Perez, Investigative Reporter | iSkyCreations - News & Media (ISC)

Published March 12th, 2024

The Hillsboro Police Department has issued a stern warning to residents following reports of a prevalent scam sweeping through the area. Numerous individuals have fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme perpetrated by impostors posing as current and former officers of the Hillsboro Police Department.

According to reports, victims have been deceived into parting with substantial sums of money by individuals claiming to represent the law enforcement agency. These scammers have been contacting unsuspecting residents, falsely alleging the existence of local, state, or federal warrants for their arrest. In a bid to evade purported legal repercussions, victims have been coerced into making payments using various unconventional methods, including cryptocurrency, gift cards, and Cash Application Services.

Authorities emphasize that legitimate officers from the Hillsboro Police Department will never initiate contact with residents to demand payment over the phone in relation to warrant issues. While it is not uncommon for law enforcement agencies to communicate with individuals regarding warrants, it is crucial to recognize that no legitimate officer will ever request monetary transactions over the phone to resolve such matters.

"We cannot stress enough that no amount of money will ever be requested to be paid over the phone to make your warrant 'go away'," reiterated a spokesperson for the Hillsboro Police Department.

Residents are urged to exercise caution and vigilance when receiving unsolicited calls from individuals purporting to be law enforcement officers. Should anyone receive a suspicious call demanding payment over the phone, they are advised to terminate the conversation immediately and report the incident to the Hillsboro Police Department's Dispatch Center.

The Hillsboro Police Department has issued this warning in a bid to safeguard residents from falling victim to fraudulent activities and to foster awareness within the community. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious communications to law enforcement authorities.

For further information and updates regarding this scam alert, residents can refer to the official CRIMEWATCH® platform: Hillsboro PD on CRIMEWATCH®.

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