Pasadena Health Officials Warn of Fraudulent Calls
State agencies report scammers posing as health workers to steal personal data, though no local incidents have been confirmed yet.
By Emma Foster ·
The Pasadena Public Health Department issued a warning on Wednesday regarding a phone scam targeting residents. Scammers are calling while claiming to be public health officials. Their goal is to collect personal and financial details from victims.
Key facts about the scheme include the following points:
Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to force quick action. They may threaten legal consequences or claim that a resident’s prescription has been canceled. Some callers falsely state that a prescription was filled in the victim’s name. They then demand personal data to clear the record. In some cases, callers transfer victims to video calls. The person on the screen may wear a fake police uniform or act as another authority figure in a staged setting.
Officials noted that legitimate health agencies do contact citizens for reasons like disease tracing. However, these calls will never ask for Social Security numbers or credit card details. They also will not request information unrelated to the caller’s health. Pasadena Public Health Director Manuel Carmona stated that the department wants residents aware of individuals impersonating officials. He encouraged the public to stay vigilant regarding phone and online scams.
The California Department of Public Health has received reports of this activity. No specific incidents have been confirmed in Pasadena so far. Scammers may use the names of real public health employees to appear trustworthy. They often fabricate badge numbers and falsify caller ID information. Callers might ask for birth dates or driver’s license numbers. They may also direct victims to download specific apps for video calls. Some attempts involve trying to gain access to a person’s personal device.
Some scammers have directed people to meet at a specific address in Sacramento. Others have followed up with repeated phone calls and threatening text messages. Residents who receive a suspicious call should hang up immediately. They should then contact the California Department of Public Health at 916-558-1784. If a person believes they have been defrauded, they should contact the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4241. Victims should also report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
The warning comes as state and local agencies continue to monitor for similar fraudulent activities. Residents are advised to verify any request for sensitive information before providing it. The Pasadena Public Health Department will continue to monitor the situation for new developments.
Source: Hoover Patch · original report published
