UAPD Warns Of Latest Phone Scam Targeting Students

TUSCALOOSA, AL — University of Alabama safety officials are warning students about a phone scam in which callers are impersonating campus police and demanding money or personal information.

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In a public alert posted by UA Safety, officials said scammers are spoofing the University of Alabama Police Department’s phone number to make calls appear legitimate.

The calls come from the number: (205) 348-5454, which is mirroring the official UAPD number.

UA says the callers may claim to be UAPD Chief Scott Thurmond and tell victims there is a warrant for their arrest.

Authorities said the scammers may then demand payment through mobile payment apps such as Cash App or instruct victims to log into a website and provide sensitive personal information.

UAPD emphasizes that the calls are fraudulent.

Officials reiterated that UAPD will never call individuals to demand payment for fines or request personal identifying information over the phone.

They also said the department will not ask individuals to log into external websites as part of any enforcement action.

Those who receive such calls are advised to hang up immediately and contact UAPD directly at (205) 348-5454 to report the incident.

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