DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a phone scam targeting families of KU students, according to University of Kansas Police.
Families have reported receiving calls claiming to be from the University of Kansas Police Department. The scammer states the student has been arrested and money has to be sent in order to secure the student's release.
Similar fraud calls have been reported at other college campuses.
Scammers may use actual law enforcement officers names and may disguise their phone numbers to seem as if they are calling from KUPD's on campus number. The scammer may also use information collected from social media and other web sites to make the situation appear real.
Common signs of a phone scam include creating a sense of urgency that payment has to be made immediately; using threats of coercion and demanding payment through online applicatons, gift cards or pre-paid debit cards.
If you receive one of these scam calls, hang up and report the incident to KU Police (785) 864-5900.