07/01/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vance Police Department Issues Warning About Phone Scam
VANCE, ALABAMA – July 1, 2025 – The Vance Police Department is issuing a public warning about an ongoing phone scam targeting residents. Scammers are posing as law enforcement officers and attempting to defraud individuals by claiming they have outstanding warrants or fines.
The scammers typically call potential victims and identify themselves as officers from the Vance Police Department or other law enforcement agencies. They then falsely claim that the individual has an outstanding warrant for their arrest due to unpaid fines or other alleged violations. The scammers pressure the victims to make immediate payments to avoid arrest or jail time. They often demand payment through wire transfers, prepaid cards, or other untraceable methods.
The Vance Police Department wants to emphasize that we will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer and demanding payment, do not provide any personal or financial information. Instead, hang up immediately and contact the Vance Police Department dispatch (205)460-8600 to verify the legitimacy of the call.
Here are some tips to protect yourself from falling victim to this scam:
* Verify the caller's identity: If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer, ask for their name, badge number, and the department they represent. Then, independently verify their identity by calling the law enforcement agency directly.
* Do not provide personal or financial information: Never give out your social security number, bank account information, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information over the phone to someone you do not know or trust.
* Be wary of high-pressure tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to scare victims into making immediate payments. Do not be rushed or intimidated into making a decision.
* Trust your instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and err on the side of caution.
The Vance Police Department is committed to protecting our community from fraud and scams. We urge all residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious calls or activity to the police department.
