Fake Internal Affairs Investigation Scam

The fake internal affairs investigation scam is a deceptive tactic used by criminals posing as law enforcement officials. In this scam, impersonators claim to be from a police department’s Internal Affairs division, alleging misconduct by a real officer or involving the victim in a fabricated investigation. This fraudulent approach aims to intimidate victims into compliance, often demanding sensitive information or payment to “resolve” the alleged misconduct.

Scammers typically initiate contact through phone calls, emails, or in-person visits. They create a sense of urgency by pressuring victims to provide information quickly and may threaten legal action for non-cooperation. The impersonator often provides vague details about the supposed investigation, making it difficult for victims to discern the legitimacy of the claims. They may also request payment under the guise of resolving complaints, further exploiting the victim’s fear.

Red flags that may indicate you are dealing with a fake internal affairs investigation scam include:

1. Unexpected contact from someone claiming to be from Internal Affairs
2. Pressure to provide information quickly without time for verification
3. Vague details about the alleged misconduct or investigation
4. Requests for payment to resolve complaints
5. Threats of legal action if you do not cooperate

If you encounter someone claiming to be conducting an internal affairs investigation, take the following steps to protect yourself:

1. Contact your local police department directly using their publicly listed phone number to verify whether there is an actual Internal Affairs investigation involving you.
2. Be wary of any requests for payment—Internal Affairs does not request money from citizens.
3. Refuse to provide sensitive information without proper verification of their identity.
4. Report the impersonation attempt to your local police department immediately.
5. Keep records of all communication, such as call logs and emails, for reporting purposes.

It is crucial to remember that legitimate Internal Affairs investigations follow established protocols and do not involve immediate demands for payments or sensitive information over the phone or via email. By staying informed about the fake internal affairs investigation scam and sharing this knowledge with others, you can help protect yourself and your community from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.