Beware of phone scams claiming to be police

RALEIGH

Several police departments around the Triangle are investigating the scammers that continue to call residents making some people believe they're in trouble if they don't pay up.

It was a voicemail that first caught Angela Pope's attention. It said, "I'm calling with legal support services with Granville County."

Pope couldn't believe the caller had all of her personal information.  

"It was very specific. He had the last four digits of my social. He had my address," said Pope. "I was terrified. I was absolutely terrified. He told me that they would be here the following Tuesday between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. to serve me with papers."

Instead of calling the scammer back, Pope first called police and found out it was a scam. The Wake County Sheriff's Office and Cary Police have received reports of these calls. They say the number on caller ID appears as 911, or specific police departments.  Investigators said they have heard from at least one victim who fell for the scheme and wired money to the scammers.

Pope is glad the red flags went up when she got this call, and has this advice for others.

"Hang up. Hang up the phone," she said. "When they first start talking, hang it up."

Pope is still not sure how they got her personal information. You should always be aware of what you're putting online and on paper.  

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