NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Scott E. Meyer
816-622-0800
A110802
November 7, 2008

EMPHASIS: Telephone Scam


Due to numerous telephone calls received at Troop A Headquarters, the Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public of a telephone scam involving long distance telephone service theft. The victims of the scam receive a telephone call indicating a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident. The victims are then directed to dial “star (*) 72” followed by a telephone number to obtain further information. Star (*) 72 is a telephone company service that allows call forwarding. Dialing the number supplied by the caller allows the caller to have their call billed to the victim’s telephone number. This is not the procedure law enforcement agencies use to notify family members that a loved one has been injured or killed. Anyone who has been victim to this type of call should contact their telephone service provider to request credit for any fraudulently placed calls.