Dec 11, 2014 1 min read

State police are warning residents of a telephone scam being reported in the Pittsburgh area.

Callers are posing as members of the state police so they can persuade victims to send money to avoid legal trouble. Victims are reporting that the incoming telephone number on caller ID has been manipulated to reflect the call is coming from state police headquarters in Harrisburg.

The practice, known as “caller ID spoofing,” allows callers to manipulate the appearance of incoming phone calls. The scammers then try to get victims to send money or provide sensitive information such as bank account or Social Security numbers.

Police advise residents never to give out personal information over the telephone on an incoming call.