SCAM ALERT – PLEASE READ AND SHARE!
The Amarillo Police Department has recently been made aware of a serious phone scam circulating in Amarillo.
Citizens are receiving calls from scammers who know your name and claim they have kidnapped a loved one. During the call, victims may hear a girl or woman in the background crying and asking for help. The caller refuses to let you speak with the supposed victim and demands ransom, using fear, threats, and profanity to intimidate the person on the line.
One of our own APD employees received this call. Because we recognized the signs of a scam, the employee immediately verified their family member’s safety—and they were completely fine.
What to do if you receive a call like this:
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Hang up immediately.
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Do not send money or share information.
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Call your loved one directly using a number you know.
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Talk with someone you trust to verify the situation.
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If you are unsure, contact your local police department and ask questions.
These scammers rely on panic and emotional distress to pressure good people into acting quickly. When in doubt, disconnect and verify on your own.
