Scammers Pretending To Be Lakewood Police, Officials Say

LAKEWOOD, CO — Scam artists continue to take advantage of people's goodwill amid the spread of the new coronavirus, and some of the most recent victims have been in Jefferson County, the Lakewood Police Department warned Wednesday.

"In the last 12 hours, we've seen several instances of phone scams that involve people pretending to be members of the police department," Lakewood police said in a community alert.

In one case, the scammer asked for donations to Lakewood police for COVID-19 assistance, officials said. In another case, the scammer asked to "take care of" a warrant or legal matter.

"Both scams are asking you to pay your donation or find in the form of gift cards," police said. "Both scams are also using spoofing application that copies LPD phone numbers."

"Please be aware, the Lakewood Police Department will never call you for money over the phone. Never provide your personal information over the phone to someone you did not call from a number you personally verified.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Lakewood: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter

"Scammers are creative, manipulative and can seem very kind and considerate. However, they are cruel, and they are after your money and your personal information."

The scammer may provide a number for a return call — do not use that number, police said. Instead, call Jeffcom911 at the non-emergency number — 303-980-7300.

"Remember you must call this number to confirm, calls FROM this number may also be spoofed," the community alert read.

Coronavirus Live Colorado Updates

Read more:

• List Of Store Closures Amid Coronavirus Outbreak In Colorado
• Colorado Coronavirus: 'Essential' Businesses, Services List
• CO Secretary Of State Announces Support Resources For Businesses
• Coronavirus: Health Care For Uninsured In Colorado
• Face Masks And Coronavirus: 5 Things To Know