University Park

Fraud-Press Release-December 30, 2004

Attempted Fraud

DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT

Gerald R. Whitman, Chief of Police

The mission of the Denver Police Department is to deliver high quality public


safety services so all people may share a safe and healthy environment.


PRESS RELEASE


For Immediate Release


Date:   December 30, 2004


Contact:        Detective Virginia Lopez #89015


Address:        Office of the Chief


        1331 Cherokee St., Denver, CO 80204


Phone:  720-913-6028


Fax:    720-913-7021


The Denver Police Department would like to advise citizens that there have been two cases in the past week where a person(s) are attempting to obtain personal information from unsuspecting victims via the telephone.  There is technology available that enables a person to encode any number they want into another person’s cell phone.  This number will then show up on the victim’s caller I.D which makes the phone call seem that much more credible.  The suspect(s) have contacted at least two victims that we are now aware of and have represented themselves as members of the police department.  After identifying themselves as police officers they attempt to defraud the victims and gain certain important personal information such as social security numbers, dates of birth etc.  All citizens need to be aware of this and refrain from ever giving any personal information out to a stranger over the telephone, no matter who they might say they are affiliated with.  If anyone calls and identifies themselves as an officer and begins to ask questions, make an appointment to meet with that officer in person at a police station, do not at any time give any information about yourself or a family member out over the telephone if this phone call was not generated by the person receiving the call.  Another alternative would be to call the district that the person claims to work at and verify that an officer identified as “Joe officer” was in fact attempting to contact this person.


We would also advise that everyone take the time to speak with the elderly, mothers, fathers, grandfathers, grandmothers neighbors etc. about this due to the fact that at times we are all very trusting however, the elderly seem to be more vulnerable due to their level of trust in mankind. 


Detective Virginia Lopez 89015