Grandpa says: In cooperation with local and State law enforcement, Grandpa is publishing this special notice to those on parole or probation, albeit anyone easily might become a victim to this type of scam.
If you or your loved ones receive a phone call from anyone indicating that you have an arrest warrant pending, contact your parole, or probation officer, immediately! Chances are it is a scam!
Here is how it works: The scammers gather all the information they can from your smart phone, your devices, the devices of your family, and a plethora of other sources. They impersonate police officers trying to contact you. You are told that there is a warrant for your arrest. You are asked to meet at a neutral location, “because of the COVID-19, CDC regulations will not permit you to turn yourself in at the jail.” You are told your bail will be $XXXX.00 and you need to pay it with a pre-paid credit or debit card, again, because ‘cash might be infected with COVID.”
Please know that when you call the number given, the thieves have a recording that mimics the automatic call routing of the police. Don’t let that fool you. Grandpa heard of one case where police were taking a report when the scammers called back. The officer talked directly to the scammers on the phone asking for badge numbers and departments. The officer was given false information. Because it is an ongoing investigation, Grandpa does not have access to further details. However, please know that if the crooks boldly will lie to knowledgeable officers of the law, they surely will try to buffalo you.
Beware that in some instances, crooks have impersonated police by showing up at job sites and homes to effect an “arrest” of the parolee or probationer. If an “officer” shows up in plain clothes to “arrest” you for a violation, it is suggested that you ask the “officer” to have you transported by uniformed officers in a marked police car. Naturally, you will be told that they want to protect you from such embarrassment, if the arrest is a fake. Real police will accommodate your request. Again, you have the legal right and obligation to notify your P.O. of any encounter with police, real or fake. As one investigator told Grandpa, you have been arrested before so you know the drill. If it is different, ask questions. These scammers depend upon you being too afraid of being violated. Your PO is your best resource for staying out of jail. Stay calm, keep your wits about you, and protect your personal information
Grandpa says: Can you believe how quickly this year has gone by? It is time again for Grandpa to beg your indulgence. Every Autumn I ask my readers to reflect on what is in their lives for which they are thankful. This year we will publish Thanksgiving Gratitude letters November 19, one week before Thanksgiving Day. In order to have your letter included in the Gratitude Column, please have your letters to Ask Grandpa in by November 1.
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, PO Box 123,
Aurora, IL 60507 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.