News Flash

Recently, a couple of residents in the Town of Atherton have received telephone calls which were scams.

In one incident, a resident received a telephone call from someone claiming to be a member of a law enforcement agency. The person who called stated the resident had outstanding warrants and needed to go to a local store to purchase "Federal Bonding Vouchers" which needed to be delivered to a kiosk inside of the San Mateo County building.

In another incident, a resident received a telephone call from someone claiming to be their grandson, who stated he was in jail and needed money to be bailed out.

If you receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be a member of a law enforcement agency, who requests or demands money to alleviate a warrant or other civil or criminal action, it is most likely a scam. Law enforcement agencies will rarely, if ever, call you regarding these types of incidents. Obtain the person's name and agency they work for, hang up, call the agency directly, and ask to speak with the person who called you. Do not use the phone number they provide. This is the only way to verify the incident.

If you receive a telephone call from someone claiming to be a member of your family who is in jail or in trouble, either in this country or another country, it is most likely false. This scam has been occurring for many years. Call the family member back on a known telephone number, not one the person provides you, and ask the person a question only they should know the answer to. This is one way to verify the incident is real.

If you have any questions, or feel as though you have been the victim of a scam, please contact the Atherton Police Department at 650-688-6500.