Scammers Are 'Spoofing' Alameda PD's Phone Number. Here's What That Means

ALAMEDA, CA — Police are warning Alameda residents of scammers pretending to call from the agency and trying to trick them into giving up personal information.

The scammers are doing this through a process called "spoofing," according to the Alameda Police Department. Spoofing is when a scammer manipulates their call ID system to make it seem as if they are calling from a legitimate source.

Alameda police say the department received 75 reports on Wednesday from community members who were targets of the spoofing scheme.

"Residents report that the caller will call multiple times, hoping that someone will eventually answer," police said. "Once the call is picked up, the scammer impersonates a law enforcement officer, claiming they are investigating a case and need to verify the person’s identity."

Several people reported the scammer tried asking them for multiple pieces of information, police said.

"Scammers rely on urgency and trust to trick victims," police said. "Taking a moment to verify the call can help protect your personal information."

The Alameda Police Department offered the following tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam:

• Do NOT provide personal information over the phone to unknown callers.
• If you are unsure who you are speaking with, ask for their name, unit, and badge number.
• Hang up and call the Alameda Police Department directly to verify the caller.
• To verify an officer or an employee’s identity, call APD directly at, 510-337-8340