A telephone scam artist has called at least one citizen claiming to be from Lakeland Police Department regarding a red-light camera violation, police said.
The caller claimed to be "Chris Johnson" from the Lakeland Police Department, Lt. John Thomason said.
The caller told the resident she had run a red light, and it was caught on one of the city's traffic signal cameras. "Then he wanted to get her address and come out to be able to take a picture of her car," Thomason said.
The woman got suspicious, hung up and contacted police.
"We don't know what this would have led to or what the intent was," Thomason said.
Officers suspect the caller was trying to get money, but they fear he may have had more sinister motives.
Investigators said the police department does not call citizens regarding red-light camera violations.
"The process with them does not involve someone calling, does not involve a need for someone to come look at their car. We've already got it on video if they did do a violation, and so we can identify their car and evidently have with the tag number," Thomason said.
Lakeland police are aware of only one bogus call, but they suspect the scammer may have telephoned other citizens. If you've received one of these calls, contact the Lakeland Police Department at (863) 834-6900.
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