Scam Alert - Impersonating a Santa Clara Police Sergeant
Posted Date: 3/20/2015
On four recent occasions (Case Number 15-2945, 15-2991, 15-3198 and 15-3294), the Santa Clara Police Department has received a report of an unknown suspect impersonating a Police Officer as Sergeant Gomby or Sergeant Eric Gandy. The suspect informs the victim that they have been captured on video, speeding. The suspect proceeds to tell the victim that a warrant has been issued for their arrest with a bail amount, varying from $300 to $800 to resolve the matter. The victims are then instructed to purchase a pre-paid PayPal debit card from a specific 7-11 store for the warrant amount and then return the return the officer’s call.
PayPal debit cards are similar to cash and are not traceable. Once you provide the suspect with the numbers on the back of the card, they can immediately download the value of that card anywhere in the world.
The Santa Clara Police Department does NOT make telephone calls regarding warrants or payments. If you have a question regarding the legitimacy of a phone call, hang up and call the Police Department at (408) 615-4700.
Just got a call from this number, caller introduced himself something along the lines of Erin Wundstell, calling from a PD, collecting donations for a charity event for fallen officers.
Told him I knew it was a scam, he denied and asked me if I wanted to talk to his supervisor. I said yes, he hung up. Shameless scammers, how do they look into the mirror trying to exploit the death of people and the sorrow of their families.