MONROE — On July 2, Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley alerted the public via social media of a scam targeting local people. 

Kelley said it was reported to Monroe Police Department that its general phone number — 608-325-2400 — was being ‘spoofed’ to make scam calls, meaning when a call is received, the recipients phone’s Caller ID shows it as the Monroe Police Department. Kelley said those came without the consent or knowledge of the agency.

“During these calls, which involve various topics, the caller asks the recipient to provide some sort of normally protected identifying information,” Kelley said. 

That information would include all or part of a social security number, dates of birth, or other pieces of information that could compromise their identity.

“The Monroe Police Department, and any other law enforcement agency, would not ask anyone to provide any information such as this over the phone. You would be asked to come to the agency’s headquarters or an officer would come directly to your home or place of business to show you some identification,” Kelley said.

He asked the public to remain vigilant if they receive one of these spam calls.

“Luckily, so far no one has reported any loss of money or property,” Kelley said.

He added that if a member of the public should receive one of these calls, report it to the Monroe Police Department before providing any information. 

— Adam Krebs