ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Phishing Attempt: Scammers Are Now Selling Alleged Police Gear Online

The Birmingham Police Department, Michigan, has issued a warning to the public after discovering that scammers are peddling alleged police merchandise through deceptive links.
PUBLISHED FEB 6, 2024
Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Mikhail Nilov

The Birmingham Police Department, Michigan, has warned the public after discovering scammers peddling alleged police merchandise through deceptive links. This well-planned strategy involves sharing fraudulent links in the comment sections of the police department's social media pages. Unsuspecting individuals engaging with these posts become victims of a phishing attempt, putting their personal information at risk.



 

The Birmingham Police Department took to Facebook to alert the community, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "This is a phishing attempt to get your personal information," the department warned. It was explicitly stated that the police department is not involved in the sale of any apparel or items featuring the Birmingham Police patch.

Instead, they are actively promoting the Birmingham Benevolent Fund fundraiser, specifically featuring the Therapy K9 Maple dog. However, this fundraiser involves in-person purchases only, reinforcing the notion that any online links advertising police merchandise are dubious and likely part of the scam. 

Pexels | Photo by Rosemary Ketchum
Pexels | Photo by Rosemary Ketchum

Phishing scams are not new, but the audacity of scammers using the trusted image of law enforcement makes the situation more concerning. As people engage with content shared on official social media pages, they assume a level of authenticity that scammers manipulate for their deceptive practices. Scammers in the region are also falsely posing as members of the city's police department, attempting to trick residents into paying fines or warrants.

The authorities have cautioned residents about the scam and urged them to ignore calls from unknown phone numbers. "We want you to know police officers will never call you claiming you need to pay a fine or warrant, or anything by phone. To avoid falling victim to a scheme, don't answer calls from numbers you don't recognize," they said in a Facebook post.

Image Source: RapidEye/Getty Images
Photo by RapidEye | Getty Images

Residents are advised to exercise caution when clicking on links, particularly those shared in the comments section of social media posts. Verifying the legitimacy of online transactions, especially when involving established authorities or institutions, is crucial in preventing falling victim to these scams. Moreover, community awareness and education are essential tools in the fight against fraud, and residents are encouraged to share this information with friends and family to protect each other from such schemes.

Image Source: Photo by RDNE Stock project | Pexels
Photo by RDNE Stock project | Pexels

Law enforcement agencies across the country increasingly find themselves battling cyber threats, ranging from scams targeting individuals to sophisticated attacks on their own systems. The authorities have urged anyone who has fallen victim to this scam to immediately contact them. By calling 248-644-3405, victims can report the incident and seek guidance on mitigating the potential fallout from having their personal information compromised.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The guest who brought the collecton in a pocketbook was left beyond astonished.
16 hours ago
The seller simply refused to budge and was happy to hold on to the doll for a longer time.
19 hours ago
This was rare on the show where Harvey is the one doing most of the talking and shutting people down.
21 hours ago
Fans complained that the unusual clue cost the player a chance to challenge for the win.
1 day ago
The founders of xCraft struck a rare and expensive all investor deal on Shark Tank.
1 day ago
The dynamic host finally broke silence on exit rumours, cementing his intent to continue his job.
1 day ago
The painting and a note from the renowned artist, Hovsep Pushman left the expert in awe.
2 days ago
Banking on a bad guess made by his opponent, Ryan Burkett guessed the correct answer and took home a massive win.
2 days ago
The World War II era sketch was given to the guest's father by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the creators of Superman.
2 days ago
The contestant, Madison, hit the jackpot with less than a second remaining in the 'Race Game.'
3 days ago
Both the contestant and fans believed he stood no real chance of solving the Bonus Round puzzle.
4 days ago
The spooky item was a great find for the pawn shop, but the asking price was too high for Corey Harrison to cut a deal.
5 days ago
Despite saying that the item was worth a small fortune, the expert was confident about its future.
5 days ago
Harrison almost blew the deal for the gold & diamond encrusted ring over $3,000.
6 days ago
Insulted by her refusal to partner up, Kevin O'Leary told Lori Greiner, 'Do not screw with Mr Wonderful...'
6 days ago
The witty host reminded everyone that he’s never afraid to deliver the perfect clap back.
7 days ago
TikToker Madilynn Cameron alleged she was asked her to get a membership to use the self checkout facility at Walmart.
7 days ago
The toy train set from the Lionel company turned out to be a invaluable treasure.
7 days ago
The pawn shop boss, Rick Harrison wasted no time to get the mummy authenticated.
7 days ago
The elderly guest was visibly shaken to learn the value of her prized family heirloom.
7 days ago