The Pella Police Department has been informed about a current phone scam circulating around the community. Captain Paul Haase says the scammer is calling citizens using an officer’s name and in some cases have spoofed the Pella PD’s number, and are advising that the recipient has a warrant out for their arrest or are in some other kind of trouble with the law. They then direct the recipient to purchase gift cards to take care of the issue.

If any citizen is contacted by someone stating they are a police officer or detective, and the citizen isn’t sure of the officer or detective’s identity, the citizen should request to meet the officer or detective in person at the Pella Police Department. Alternately, citizens should copy down the officer’s name and badge number, then contact the Pella PD non-emergency line (641-628-4921) to verify the information.

Haase says law enforcement will never ask anyone to wire money or purchase gift cards to take care of a warrant or other issue.