Police: Scammer Claims To Be From Zone 2 Station
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Police are issuing an alert to the public about what they're calling a sophisticated scam.
Zone 2 in the Hill District received more than 100 calls from people who were targeted by the scammers, and at least one victim.
Police say she's a college student who did transfer money from her PayPal account.
Not only does the con artist claim to be from Zone 2, but the incoming number actually shows up as the Zone 2 main phone number. The caller ID reads 412-255-2827.
The caller claims to be a federal law enforcement agent.
Police say they tell the victim that there is a warrant out for their arrest and they have to pay up or be turned over to the IRS or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Zone 2 Commander Eric Holmes had advice for anyone who receives that call.
"Check first, call the local agency who they're representing themselves to be to get verification," said Commander Holmes. "We do not do business that way. We don't ask people to send us money, partial money as law enforcement agencies, so it is a scam and we don't want any more victims out there."
Carnegie Mellon University has sent out a crime alert to all its students notifying them about this scam.
According to university officials, several international students received the scam phone call.
Commander Holmes says the voice on the other end has a foreign accent.
He's been in contact with federal investigators, and U.S. officials here in Pittsburgh will be a part of the investigation.
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