U.S. Capitol Police Phone Numbers Used in "Caller ID Spoofing" Scam

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is advising the public that several USCP office telephone numbers are being used as part of a "Caller ID Spoofing" fraud scheme that has affected police departments across the country.

Unsuspecting callers may be targeted by these Caller ID Spoofing activities and be tricked into giving away personal information or make payments to settle false warrants by potential identify thieves. Identity thieves will often pose as representatives from banks, credit card companies, creditors or government agencies to get people to volunteer their personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and passwords.

The USCP has been made aware of and is investigating incidents in which offenders have spoofed USCP phone numbers. As part of the fraudulent activities, the offenders have requested money from individuals to settle a fictitious warrant with the USCP. Offenders have requested different forms of payment including wired funds, bit-coins, and various types of gift cards.

At no time would any United States Capitol Police employee request any form of monetary compensation over the phone to settle a warrant, pay a fine, or resolve any criminal matters.

Do not provide personal information over the telephone to any company or government agency seeking it; instead end the call immediately. If you can identify the company or agency seeking the information, you may want to call the company/agency and ask a customer representative if the information that was being requested is actually required from you.

If you receive a call and you suspect the Caller ID information has been falsified, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission.

• File a complaint online
• By phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)
• By mail (please include your name, address, contact information and as much detail as possible):

Federal Communications Commission
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, S.W.,
Washington, DC 20554

# # #