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Ocean Shores Police Department Warning to Local Businesses of Scam Phone Calls

September 17, 2020
News Release - Ocean Shores Police Department
The Ocean Shores Police Department wants to warn local businesses of scam phone calls from people pretending to be with the police department.

On September 16, 2020, a business in Ocean Shores received a call from a person claiming to be an officer with the Ocean Shores Police Department. The caller had used on-line technology so that Caller ID showed that the call was coming from Ocean Shores PD.

The suspect told the business employee that he was investigating counterfeit money and needed to be sure the money in the business’ till was real. The caller directed the employee to take money from the till, purchase a pre-paid debit card at another business, then give the card number to the “officer” over the phone. The suspect then immediately withdrew the money put on the debit card.

We remind everyone that no police officer will ever ask for money in any way. Also, no government office, nor any legitimate business, would ever direct you to purchase a debit card or anything similar to make a transaction.

If you are ever contacted by someone saying they are with a law enforcement agency or a business and they say things that make you suspicious, immediately end the call and call that agency or business directly to confirm the call is legitimate.