Scammers be Scamming.

El Centro Police are investigating the report of scammers 'spoofing' the El Cento Police Departments non-emergency phone number to make the call seem legitimate. The caller claimed the victim was under investigation and would be arrested unless they paid a fine. The victim was told to purchase $800 worth of Target gift cards as payment. The is a scam. Police will never call and demand payment of a fine and never request payment through gift cards. Scammers use technology known as 'spoofing' to make it appear the call is coming from a legitimate law enforcement agency, government office or business. Do not assume a call is legitiamte because the correct phone number appears on your caller i.d. If you receive a suspicious call:

Do not provide personal or financial information.

Do not purchase gift cards or send money.

Hang up if you feel pressured or threatened.

Contact local authorities.