Criminals pose as police in phone scam

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - A KOLD News 13 viewer wants to warn you about a phone scam circulating around Southern Arizona.

The scammers claim to be raising money for the men and women in blue.

"Oh it's horrible," Linda said. "He claimed to actually be the police."

A few days ago, Linda got a call from a 928 area code, which shows up on the caller ID as Yuma, Arizona. When she answered, the man on the other end claimed to be with the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police and asked for a $15 donation.

"I really thought initially they must be doing a fundraising drive," Linda said.

Linda said it sounded legit at first, but when she started asking questions, the man got pushy. Then he said he was transferring the call to his assistant.

"She goes over my name and address but she pronounced Tucson 'Tuck-son' so then I really knew," Linda said.

Linda said she hung up and started alerting local law enforcement about the scam. Todd Griffith, president of FOP for Lodge 1 in Tucson, didn't like hearing
someone is using their name for fraud.

"It's frustrating," he said. "It's maddening, preying upon the concerns the public may have toward law enforcement."

Griffith said the Tucson FOP does not conduct phone solicitations, but other FOPs in Arizona do. He suggests contacting the organization directly
to verify it's legit before giving money.

Linda hopes the criminals get caught before more people fall victim.

"I'm hoping someday he gets to meet one of our police face to face, in jail," Linda said.

The FOP said if you do want to donate to their organization, it's best to do it online.

We called 928-723-0156, the number that showed up on Linda's caller ID, but it went directly to an automated message.

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