POTENTIAL SCAM: Austin police warn of scammers using official police phone number | FOX 7 Austin

POTENTIAL SCAM: Austin police warn of scammers using official police phone number

The Austin Police Department is warning the community about possible scammers using an official APD phone number. 

APD has been notified of several incidents of people receiving calls from someone claiming to be from the department's Public Information Office. 

Police are warning people to be on alert when receiving a call from 512-974-5017, the number to APD PIO. 

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According to police, the calls have been made for various reasons. 

If you receive a call from the above-mentioned number, police are recommending that you ask for the full name and badge number of the person calling you and to ask fro the reason why they're calling.

Additionally, if you call back using the same number it will go to APD's PIO and you can verify whether that person is with the department. 

The department says that most of the calls made from APD PIO are calls from citizens and media that are being returned.

You can also reach the public information office by calling Austin 3-1-1 or 512-974-5000 or by emailing police3@austintexas.gov. 

If you feel that you have been a victim of this potential scam, please call 3-1-1 to make a non-emergency report.