The City of Rochester sent a press release warning residents about a phone scam making the rounds. The release explains scammers are manipulating caller ID to make their number show up as the Rochester Police Department non-emergency line. "The Rochester Police Department (RPD) is alerting the community that they have been notified that residents are being called by the number 507-328-6800 with a real person claiming to be from the Rochester Police Department. Some have claimed to be the Chief of Police and others are claiming to be RPD employees."

The RPD gave examples of claims that are being made:

  • Unpaid parking tickets resulting in a warrant
  • Identity has been compromised
  • Stolen credit or debit card used in drug dealing
  • Requesting victims to purchase gift cards to pay for warrants

Do NOT give personal information including: bank, credit card or social security numbers to these callers. The police say they will not call to ask you this type of information. If you have received a call you can call the department's non-emergency number - 507-328-6800.

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