If you get phone call supposedly from the Oceanside Police Department about a red light ticket violation, be on your guard. It may be a scam, police officials warn.
The OPD says many people have reported the scheme, which starts with a phone call from a man claiming to be Lt. Woods with the OPD.
The man tells the victim he or she has failed to appear on multiple red light camera violations and needs to pay fines as soon as possible. He says the person should go to a store to buy a Green Dot prepaid debit card to pay the debt.
OPD officials warn this type of call would never legitimately come from them. Although the department does have a red light camera enforcement program, police do not collect the fines or make calls to violators.
If someone called the OPD to pay a ticket, he or she would be told to either go to court to hand in the payment or mail it to the courthouse.
Plus, no Lt. Woods works for the OPD.
If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, call your local police or sheriff department to report it, or call the OPD at 760-435-4900.
