‘Tis the season for a new scam to be making the rounds. The Burbank Police Department is sending out a warning about imposters who phone residents, pretending to be law enforcement officials, and then proceed to rip off money from the victims. Apparently it has happened several times in surrounding communities.
It’s called the Moneypak Scam and this is how it works. The thieves, claiming to be from the local police department, ring up the victims and accused them of not appearing in court on a traffic violation, which they say has been caught on camera. The callers tell the victims to purchase “MoneyPak” prepaid cards for a specific amount, and forward them the information, to avoid being arrested or having SWAT raid their homes. It’s all bogus.
The Burbank Police is advising the public that its department “would never call someone by phone and demand money.” If you have been victimized by this scam, or contacted by the scammers call Burbank Police at 818-238-3000. More information here.
