Police Warn Of New Scam On The Rise In Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Newport Beach residents were advised to keep their guard up, after authorities were notified about a new scam on the rise in the city.

According to the Newport Beach Police Department, officers were recently made aware about residents who received calls from a person claiming to be a Newport Beach Animal Shelter employee.

The caller claimed their lost pet had been found before asking the resident for payment over the phone.

"Residents who contacted the Animal Shelter directly were able to confirm that these calls did not come from their department," the Newport Beach Police Department said in a news release. "Neither the animal shelter nor the Newport Beach Police Department will ever contact you to request money."

The department offered the following tips and tricks to help residents avoid getting scammed:

• For calls from alleged government agencies or utility companies.
  • Do not give out any personal or financial information until you have verified the identity of the caller.
  • Ask the caller for their name, department, business phone number and what they are requesting.
  • Confirm that information by calling the organization directly at a phone number found on the internet or through official correspondence/billing statements.
  • If the caller refuses to provide this information, terminate the call immediately.
• Keep your information safe. Never give out personal identifying information, such as your social security number, bank account or credit card account numbers, to anyone you do not know.
• Pass this information on to a friend. You may not have received one of these calls, but chances are that you know someone who will - if they haven't already.