Full Notification

Over the last several years, we have seen a rise in identity theft, scams, and financial crimes targeting our community. These scams are constantly evolving.

• Fremont Police Personnel does not call to solicit money. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Fremont Police and they are asking for payment - it's a scam! 
• Criminals may fake a caller ID to display "Fremont Police Department" and may possibly use a name of a real Fremont Police personnel.  They may state that you missed a subpoena, a fine for a ticket, a tax payment, or other fees and that you must pay them to avoid being arrested or being sued -  it's a scam!
• Do not provide cash payment or any type of money transfer to anyone calling and claiming to be from the Police Department, the City, the County, the Courts, or some type of government entity - it's a scam!

Below are some of the common ID theft or fraud scams we see. While the scams have all varied in origin, many commonly require the victim to buy gift cards, transfer funds, or provide a payment method to avoid a penalty. If you or someone you know receives a call where you are instructed to make a payment and threatened with arrest, deportation or something similar, it is likely false. Almost all government agencies communicate by mail and do not collect debt payments via the phone.

Examples of Fraudulent Scams include: 

• Fraudulent use of your credit card
• Suspects open new accounts or take over your Credit or Bank accounts
• Work at home/employment scams
• Classified Ads and check overpayment scams
• Relative, friend or business associate needs you to wire money
• Romance Scams
• Sweepstakes and Lottery scams
• IRS/Law Enforcement Impersonation scams
• Scams directed at the elderly
• Offering fake gold jewelry as an exchange for real jewelry or for cash 

How to Protect Yourself

Be skeptical. These scams constantly evolve. By the time you read this, there will be new stories and new lies to persuade you to wire money. However, what you should do to protect yourself stays the same.

• Resist the pressure to act quickly.
• Try to contact the agency, company or family member to determine whether or not the call is legitimate.
• Never purchase money cards to pay a debt. Call the agency directly and obtain proof of the debt before making a payment. No official agencies will accept a money card.
• Do not meet with anyone in person to deliver cash payment.
• Never wire money based on a request made over the phone or in an e-mail...local or overseas. Wiring money is like giving cash—once you send it, you can’t get it back.