Scammer trying to solicit money as Huntsville Police employee

HUNTSVILLE – The Huntsville Police (HPD) is warning area residents of a new scam, this time using HPD personnel information.

“The past several weeks there have been at least a half-dozen instances whereby an individual is calling local businesses and indicating they are personnel with HPD and using a specific name of an HPD employee to gain the caller’s trust,” HPD Lieutenant Michael Johnson said. “They attempt to solicit funds by using official programs or affiliations like “shop with a cop” or the local Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police and even sending an electronic copy of an FOP letter to legitimize the call.”

Johnson said the caller asks for a contribution and continues dialogue to set up a meeting to receive that contribution. “The businesses that received these calls notified us before following through. Thus far we have not learned of a business that has made an actual contribution.”

“Please remember that HPD does not solicit for funds nor do we make phone calls to collect fines or fees,” Johnson added.

If you or a business has had an experience similar to one described or actually made a contribution to someone under these circumstances, the HPD is asking you to please call one of their alternate response numbers; North Precinct 256-427-7224, South 256-427-7226 or West 256-427-7225.