There has been an increase in a texting scam in which scammers send disturbing imagery and the recipient’s personal identifying information (like a name, address, phone number, or work address), then demand money to keep the recipient or their loved ones safe. These scams are meant to elicit a high emotional response and cause the victim to send money out of fear for themselves or their family.
Please remember that your name, phone number, and address can easily be found in public records; there is no reason to believe that you are in danger because a person sends this information to you.
If you get phone calls or text messages from numbers you do not recognize, and the person calling or sending messages is providing you with information that elicits a high emotional response, remember this is a common tactic for a scam. There is little to no reason to continue conversing with the person threatening you or your family. You can always contact your family members to confirm they are OK. If you do believe your family’s life is in danger, report it to FPD. For more information on this scam, visit fremontpolice.gov/Scams.
