PHOENIX — The Phoenix Police Department is warning citizens to be careful of who they're accepting calls from.
The department has received reports of an ongoing phone scam in Phoenix. Officials said people have been getting phone calls from an unknown person identifying themselves as a Phoenix police officer.
The caller then demands money so that the person can avoid being listed as part of a sex crime or avoid being put on the sex offender list.
Police said the caller ID shows up as a precinct phone number that is not used for outgoing phone calls.
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Authorities said that no member of the department will ever solicit money and is urging the public to be cautious when giving personal information to someone who is not a confirmed and trusted source.
Anyone from the public is welcomed to contact Phoenix police at 602-262-6151 to verify or confirm any officer they encounter.
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Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.