On December 22, 2023, the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) received information about an unknown subject who misrepresented NBPD information in an attempt to leverage money from a potential victim. The reporting party met a person online. They initially agreed to meet in person, however, the date was cancelled. Very soon after, the reporting party received suspicious texts and phone calls. One text message and one phone call came from someone impersonating “Deputy Chief Miner” and appeared to be from 949-644-3681 (NBPD Front Desk). The reporting party was requested to financially compensate the female’s family. The reporting party reported the suspicious information to our police department.
Deputy Chief Miner is an actual employee at the Newport Beach Police Department. However, any misrepresentation of him, his likeness, or anything else about him or any other police officer is a scam and constitutes a criminal violation. If you receive information or communication like this involving any Newport Beach Police employee that is not conducted under an official capacity, please contact the police department.
Anonymous tips can be made by calling the Newport Beach Police Department tip line at 1-800-550-NBPD (6273) or the front desk at 949-644-3681.
