KU Police want to warn families of a phone scam that is targeting family members of University of Kansas students.
The caller claims to be from KUPD, according to a news release from the department Thursday afternoon.
“The scammers state that the student has been arrested and money has to be sent in order to secure the student’s release,” according to the release. “Similar frauds have been reported at other college campuses, and we want to help our students and their families stay safe.”
Scammers might use real officers’ names and disguise their phone numbers to make it appear as though the call is coming from campus. They may also use information from social media to make the situation seem real, according to the release.
KUPD warns that common signs of a phone scam include creating a sense of urgency that payment must be made immediately; using threats or coercion; and demanding payment through online applications, gift cards or prepaid debit cards.
KUPD will never call anyone to demand money, according to the release. If you receive a call like this, KUPD advises that you should provide no information, hang up and call KUPD at 785-864-5900 to report the incident.
The Douglas County jail’s booking log is accessible to the public via the sheriff’s office’s website, dgso.org.
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