Today, a woman visited the Amarillo Police Department to report a call she received, supposedly from Chief Martin Birkenfeld, about illegal online activities. We want to clarify for all Amarillo residents that the police will never call you to threaten or demand money over alleged illegal activities. The number used was a spoofed version of our dispatch number, 806-378-3038. We urge everyone to remain vigilant, double-check, and verify any calls purporting to be from law enforcement or asking for personal information or money. Scammers are persistent and crafty, using various tactics. If you're ever contacted by someone claiming to be law enforcement, insisting you're involved in illegal activities and asking for money, always verify independently by contacting your local police department directly using a number you look up yourself.
