Be wary of fake “cop” scams

What with so much robocalling and sophisticated computer manipulation of images and sounds, most of us are able to hit the “disconnect” button when an obviously fake message comes on your phone or in your e-mail.

But what if the voice or message comes from a law enforcement agency – or, more likely – a fake law enforcement “officer” ?

as Westminster police officers are calling, messaging and emailing potential victims with claims about an arrest warrant or citation that needs immediate attention, usually in the form of money to the scammer.

tacted by someone who asks you to send money (wire transfers, pre-paid cards, etc.) over the phone or by e-mail to pay a fine and make a warrant “disappear” it’s a scam and a crime.

Also, never give your bank account, credit card or personal information to anyone you do not trust.

Retorts

Jim

This is on my mind after Thursday’s “Walk a Mile in My Paws” event organized by the Garden Grove Downtown Business Association which featured the GGPD’s “emotional support dogs.”

Tortolano

Their “keepers” told of remarkable deeds done in comforting people in crisis or anxiety. This follows reading an article about how dentists are now employing such mutts in dental offices to calm patients who go under the drill or other nerve-racking inside the head procedures.

There are such dogs in hospitals, schools, airports and dozens of other venues. It’s wonderful and heart-warming. It looks like there’s no limit. So It got me thinking about other places where having a “support dog” could be of substantial benefit.

• Tax preparer’s offices. When your bookkeeper clears his or her throat before giving you the bottom line on your 1040, you know you will probably be weeping into the fur of a golden retriever shortly.

• Final exams. You may realize you’re not going to get into Harvard with test those results, but someone – a Dachshund –still thinks you hung the moon.

• Human Rescources: When you find out that the promotion

The Westminster Police Department is reporting that it is receiving information that scammers identifying themselves

To make their claims more credible, these con artists often use the names of real WPD officers, readily available in a variety of ways.

The WPD or any law enforcement agency will never ask you for any payment. If you are con-