MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEDIA RELEASE: Thursday, March 4, 2021
CONTACT: Stephany Galbreaith, Public Information Officer, [email protected]
Meridian Police Warn Public About the Latest Phone Scams
The Meridian Police Department is warning citizens about a telephone scam that is taking place in the Treasure Valley.
Several Treasure Valley residents have received calls from an unknown number claiming to be with the Warrant and Citation Division with the Meridian Police Department, advising patrons to speak with the caller regarding a legal matter. The caller uses real Meridian Officer names and tells victims they need to pay unpaid fines while on the phone or face arrest.
Although the phone number is not associated with the Meridian Police Department, some caller IDs show that it is the department. The caller will also leave a very official sounding voicemail telling citizens it’s an urgent matter and to call back to a specific phone number that is not the Meridian Police Department.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- The Meridian Police Department will not call you regarding unpaid fines or missed court dates, demanding funds.
- The Meridian Police Department will not call you and threaten arrest.
- No governmental agency or legitimate business will ever contact you to pay past due fines and bills using pre-paid gift cards.
If you are a recipient of one of these calls hang up immediately. If you are a victim of fraud please file a police report.
# # #
The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 128 police officers and 39 civilian staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.
