California Highway Patrol Issues Warning About New Scam
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has recently taken to social media to alert residents about a concerning scam that is making the rounds.
Phone Scammers Posing as Amber Alert Representatives
Individuals posing as representatives of the Amber Alert system are reaching out via phone, claiming they need to meet at homes to collect personal information for “registering” children. This practice is entirely fraudulent and does not reflect any legitimate procedure associated with the Amber Alert system.
In their social media post, CHP emphasized, “This is NOT how the AMBER Alert system works!”
Understanding the Amber Alert System
The Amber Alert initiative was established in 2003 through a series of child safety laws enacted by Congress. It was named in memory of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman from Arlington, Texas, who tragically lost her life after being kidnapped in 1996. The purpose of this nationwide alert system is to swiftly disseminate information regarding child abductions to help locate missing children.
Recent statistics indicate that family and non-family kidnappings tend to peak during summer months, highlighting the importance of vigilance during this time.
Importance of Awareness and Caution
CHP reiterated that they are the sole agency authorized to issue Amber Alerts within California. They strongly advised citizens against sharing personal details or responding to calls from numbers suspected of being scams. If anyone encounters such scammers, it’s crucial to report them immediately to law enforcement authorities.
By staying informed and cautious about these types of scams, individuals can better protect themselves and their families from potential threats.
