YPD: Detective caller is scammer

The Yuma Police Department is warning area residents about a new phone scam in which the caller is posing as a YPD detective.

YPD public safety technician Edith Ruiz explained that people who have reported the calls stated that they had received a call from a YPD detective advising them that they were in some type of legal trouble.

“The scammers are using the names of actual YPD employees, but not with the correct title,” Ruiz said. “It is a way to try and make the calls seem more legitimate.”

The person who received the call is then asked for a payment in order to resolve the matter. Ruiz said Yuma police do not, and will not, make these types of calls or payment requests.

“When in doubt, call and double check information so you do not become a victim of this type of scam,” Ruiz said.

YPD notes the department does not make any phone calls for the collection of money, it does not request credit card information over the phone, and it does not give warrant information to the public over the phone.

If you receive such a call, YPD says people should request a contact name and phone number for verification purposes, then call YPD at 928)-783-4421.

While she is not aware of anyone falling for the phone scam, Ruiz advises those who believe they have been a victim of this type of crime to report it to their local law enforcement agency.