Full Notification

Across the county and our entire state, internet and telephone scams are on the rise. Sadly, our great community is not immune to this. We too have seen an increase in our citizens being victimized by criminals near and far.

These scams are usually similar in nature. The criminal will pose as a government official, law enforcement officer, or a representative from the Internal Revenue Service just to name a few examples. They will declare that you either have an outstanding debt or warrant for your arrest. They will provide you with the option of either making some form of immediate payment or face serious punishment, often demanding that payment be made via Google Pay, Visa Gift Card, or other non-traceable form of currency. Out of fear, citizens are pressured into paying the scammer, thinking that it is the easiest and quickest resolution.

These types of criminals do not discriminate, but often prey on the elderly. With that said, we are asking that you pass this information on to any and all who will listen. Remind your friends and loved ones that no legitimate government or law enforcement official will demand immediate payment over the telephone or via email. Additionally, legitimate officials are not going to demand that you pay with a gift card.

Frequently, the suspects in these types of cases are operating from a foreign country, limiting our ability to make an arrest or recover the victim’s money. Being informed is the best defense in these cases. We encourage everyone to validate any suspicious claims of debt or wrong doing before responding to the demands of anyone who contacts you via telephone or internet.

Should you have information regarding a phone scam or other crime, please contact the Simi Valley Police Department at (805) 583-6950.