The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is sounding the alarm on a troubling new scam arising across the state, as criminals pose as representatives of the Amber Alert system. This warning arrives following several reports of individuals falsely claiming to be affiliated with the AMBER program, soliciting personal information from unsuspecting families.
Alerting the public via social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, CHP officials emphasized the severity of the situation. They stated, "This is NOT how AMBER Alerts work! Only CHP can activate them—no registration required." This admonition serves as a reminder about the fundamental mechanics of the Amber Alert system.
The Amber Alert program, which stands for the American Missing Broadcast Emergency Response, was established to swiftly notify the community when children are abducted. Its inception dates back to 1996, following the heartbreaking abduction and murder of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman in Arlington, Texas. California adopted the system about six years later, formalizing its commitment to prevent child abduction by leveraging law enforcement and media resources.
Scammers now threatening this system are reportedly reaching out to victims via telephone, asking for personal information and even requesting physical meetings at homes. These dubious encounters have raised alarms among law enforcement officials. Officer Carlos Burgos-Lopez, from CHP's Newhall area office, noted, "They are asking for personal information and they’re even offering to come to people’s homes, which raises some flags.”
To clarify the legitimate processes of the Amber Alert system, Burgos-Lopez reiterated its parameters. Only the CHP is authorized to issue alerts, contingent upon several strict criteria. These include confirmation of abduction, age restrictions for victims, and substantial evidence indicating imminent danger. Burgos-Lopez explained: "If someone is contacted by law enforcement, they will identify themselves and the agency they represent."
Complicately, many victims remain unaware of how serious these scams could be. The scammers’ tactics, veiled under the pretense of helping families register their children with the Amber Alert system, are deceptive. "I would just recommend people be very wary of people asking for personal information over the phone, especially if it’s somebody you don’t know or don’t trust. We do not ask for fees," Burgos-Lopez stressed.
Roberto Gomez, also of the CHP, reaffirmed, “With the Amber Alert we will not be asking for any type of registration, it is a free service.” These reminders highlight the integrity with which legitimate agencies operate.
Of note, as of the latest updates, the Newhall office received no reports from residents who have fallen victim to this scheme, though they continue to promote vigilance among the public. CHP encourages anyone who suspects they have been approached by such scammers to reach out to local law enforcement authorities for guidance and support.
The warning from CHP echoes the broader sentiment for increased public awareness. Residents are urged to never provide personal information over the phone, particularly to unknown callers. With technology enabling scammers to misrepresent themselves, many people may quickly be caught off guard. Instead, officials remind the community to remain cautious and steadfast against these illicit practices.
More information about the CHP's Amber Alert program and its operations can be found on the agency’s website. Residents are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious communications to the appropriate authorities, ensuring the safety and protection of children across California.
The bottom line: scams like this are more than mere inconveniences; they represent significant threats not only to individual privacy but to community safety. By remaining informed and vigilant, Californians can help shield themselves and others from falling prey to these unscrupulous tactics.