Pacific Grove Police warn of “spoofing” scam

The Pacific Grove Police Department is warning people to be aware of the “Spoofing” scam.

People are calling residents claiming to be a family member in trouble. In certain incidents, the person will try to get someone to transfer money or give them their personal information.

Scammers are also changing their phone numbers to a local number, increasing the likelihood someone will answer the phone.

Macee Flores, with Pacific Grove PD, says the elderly are most often targeted in these cases.

“The elderly are more at risk just because they might not be aware of these scams. They might not be in contact with their younger relatives, and so when someone calls them from a number they think belongs to a relative they might be more willing to go and provide assistance. One of the common things is ‘don’t tell my parents but this is what’s going on, I need help’.”

If you are contacted by what you believe to be a scammer, police say you should report the call to the FCC.