YARDLEY, PA – Residents in Yardley Borough are being urged to remain vigilant after a wave of scam phone calls falsely appearing to come from the local police department surfaced over the past week, prompting officials to issue a public warning about caller ID spoofing.
According to the Yardley Borough Police Department, multiple residents reported receiving calls that displayed the department’s phone number but were in fact made by scammers attempting to extract money and personal information. Callers have reportedly questioned individuals about immigration status, demanded payments, and issued threats of arrest.
“Over the past week, the Yardley Borough Police Department has received reports from residents who stated that they received telephone calls appearing to come from the Yardley Borough Police Department,” the department said in a public notice. “Please be advised: These calls are not coming from the Yardley Borough Police Department.”
How the spoofing scam works
Officials said the calls are made using a technique known as caller ID spoofing, which allows scammers to manipulate the number that appears on a recipient’s phone. This can make it seem as though a legitimate agency is calling, when in reality the call originates elsewhere.
“The individuals responsible are using a technique known as ‘caller ID spoofing,’ which allows them to manipulate the telephone number displayed on your caller ID,” the department stated. “Although the call may appear to be coming from our department’s telephone number, it is actually being made by someone else.”
Police emphasized that their department does not operate in the manner described by the scammers and warned residents not to comply with any such demands.
“The Yardley Borough Police Department will never call a resident and demand money, gift cards, electronic payments, banking information, or payment to avoid arrest,” the statement reads. “We will also never threaten someone with immediate arrest over the telephone for refusing to provide personal information or discuss their immigration status.”
Steps residents should take
Officials are advising anyone who receives a suspicious call to avoid engaging with the caller and to take immediate precautions. Residents are told not to provide personal or financial information and not to send any form of payment, including gift cards or cryptocurrency.
“Do not provide personal, financial, or identifying information. Do not send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or electronic payments. Hang up immediately,” the department instructed. “Do not return the call using the number displayed on your caller ID.”
Instead, residents should contact the Yardley Borough Police Department directly using a verified phone number if they have concerns about a call’s legitimacy.
Police also noted that scammers often rely on urgency and fear to pressure victims into acting quickly without verifying the situation. “Scammers often attempt to create fear and urgency so that a person reacts before having time to verify the call,” the department said. “Please take a moment, hang up, and contact us directly.”
The department is encouraging residents to spread awareness of the scam, particularly among older adults and vulnerable individuals who are more frequently targeted.
“The Yardley Borough Police Department remains committed to protecting our residents and keeping the community informed,” the statement concluded.
