A phone scam in which callers pose as “AMBER Alert representatives” and offer to “register” children has prompted a firm warning to the public from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). “This is NOT how AMBER Alerts work!” CHP posted in a social media alert. Fraudsters contact parents with an offer to “register” their children in a database for use if the child goes missing or is taken. They ask for confidential information and an in-home meeting. CHP warned that it is the only California agency authorized to activate an AMBER Alert and that registration for an alert is never required. The public is urged to alert local law enforcement if a scammer contacts them and to never provide personal information or answer calls from unknown numbers.
