Police issue warning to public in regards to scammers posing as process servers

Release Date: July 13, 2023

Recently, the Better Business Bureau issued a warning that cybercriminals have been posing as process servers. Process servers are people who deliver legal documents. Cybercriminals are impersonating them to try to steal your sensitive information.

In this scam, cybercriminals will call from a restricted number and impersonate a process server. They’ll claim that there is a lawsuit against you over unpaid bills and that you’ll have more legal troubles if you don’t act quickly. Typically, the cybercriminal will tell you that they can’t provide further details until they deliver the legal documents to you. Then, the cybercriminal will ask you to provide sensitive information, such as your birthday or Social Security number. If you tell the cybercriminal your sensitive information, they can use this to try and steal your identity.

Follow the tips below to spot similar scams:

• Before sharing sensitive information over the phone, ask the caller to tell you what information they have on file. If they can't prove they are legitimate, hang up.
• Be cautious of scare tactics that play with your emotions. Cyberattacks are designed to catch you off guard and trigger you to reveal sensitive information impulsively.
• Confirm that the person you’re speaking to is actually who they say they are. Try reaching out to them using another form of contact, such as contacting them through their organization’s official website.

Stop, look, and think. Don’t be fooled by the scammers.