Phone scam targeting Virginia State Police | #phishing | #scams | #hacking | #aihp

(WFXR) — The Virginia State Police (VSP) wants to warn residents across the Commonwealth of a scam that is targeting the police department.

Police say the scammer uses a fake VSP phone number with a 276 area code. That person then says they are a VSP trooper or lieutenant. According to police, this person claims that the individual who is called has a warrant for their arrest and demands money in order to avoid arrest. They will then be instructed to provide credit card information, bank account information, or provide a gift card as payment.

Police want residents to understand that they will never call people to notify them of an arrest warrant, or request payment to avoid arrest. Police also say that these scammers can be very aggressive over the phone. They advise people to hang up the phone and don’t provide any personal information.

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, you are urged to report it to your local law enforcement agency.