Bloomington man scammed after scammers pose as Bloomington Police

Posted on September 11, 2020
If you have an officer call you and do not believe it’s an officer, call police dispatch at 309-820-8888. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Police are warning the public about a phone scam popping up in the community.

Scammers are reportedly posing as a Bloomington Police Officer and telling victims that they were victims of identity theft and to remove money from the bank, and buy gift cards.

The scammers told a Bloomington man to call a number once gift cards were purchased, which the person identified as an FBI member. The victim was told by the fake FBI agent to give their gift card numbers to her to store it in a safe place.

The victim lost approximately $3,500 after learning it was a scam. When the victim realized this, they tried to get the money back off the cards, but the money was gone.

BPD reminds the public that officers will never ask you to pay a fine, warrant, or store money over the telephone.

If you have an officer call you and do not believe it’s an officer, call police dispatch at 309-820-8888.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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