New Phone Scam Reported By Hoover Police

HOOVER, AL — A new phone scam is making its rounds through the Hoover community, according to the Hoover Police Department. The scam involves a call from a phony police officer trying to get victims to pay "fines" to the department.

"The scammer claims to be with Hoover Police, but they might also use another local agency to gain trust and scare you," said Hoover police in a statement. "They explain that you have a warrant for your arrest for 'insert reason here.' They go on to explain that you can have the warrant recalled, but you must submit payment to them over the phone. The payment they request ranges from gift card numbers, iTunes card numbers, Western Union cash transfers and other similar types of unusual payment requests."

Hoover police said at not time would they call someone to request payment over the phone. "Obviously, this is not how legitimate government business is handled. If you receive a call like this, hang up. And, you can always call the court yourself to VERIFY."

The Hoover Police Department issued tips on what to do if a scammer calls:

• Hang up (And, do not call the number back)
• Do not give personal information to a stranger over the phone
• Do not send money, gift card info or any other financial info to a stranger over the phone.
• You can also report these calls directly to the FTC