Atascadero Police Department Warns of Ongoing Identity Theft Scam

The Atascadero Police Department is actively investigating a series of attempted identity theft
and fraud incidents targeting local residents. Several community members have reported
receiving calls from individuals falsely claiming to represent the Atascadero Police Department.

These scammers use caller ID spoofing technology to make it appear that the calls are coming
directly from the department. The callers claim to be investigating a fraud case and ask for
personal identifying information. Reports indicate that the callers often have a noticeable accent
and appear to be calling from a call center environment.

The Atascadero Police Department reminds residents to remain vigilant and protect their
personal information. If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be a police
officer, do not share any personal information. Instead, hang up and contact the department
directly at 805-461-5051 to verify the call's legitimacy.

Our top priorities are the safety and security of our community, and we urge residents to exercise
caution and report any suspicious activity. For further education and prevention of phone scams,
see the Phone Scams informational guide.