The Sedona and Clarkdale police departments have received multiple reports of scammers impersonating law enforcement officers and using department information while attempting to obtain money from residents.
On Dec. 31, a Sedona resident reported receiving a call from someone identifying himself as “Officer Lopez,” who claimed the resident had missed jury duty. The caller then transferred the resident to another man who identified himself as “Commander Dowell” and attempted to collect payment, offering to take a credit card number over the phone. The resident did not provide any personal or financial information.
Scammers used the names of both former and current Sedona officers to appear legitimate. Sedona previously employed an officer named Lopez, who left the department in 2018. Christopher Dowell is currently the Sedona Police Department’s patrol commander.
While the Clarkdale Police Department did not detail specific incidents, it warned residents that its officers will never call to request money or payments over the phone.
Common tactics used by scammers include:
- Claiming you owe fines, fees or missed court payments.
- Threatening arrest or legal action if payment is not made immediately.
- Requesting payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or payment apps.
- Using phone numbers linked to specific areas or officer names to appear legitimate.
If you receive a call like this:
- Hang up immediately.
- Do not provide personal or financial information.
- Report the call to Sedona Police Department non-emergency dispatch at (928) 282-3100; Clarkdale Police Department non-emergency dispatch at (928) 634-2921; or Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch at (928) 771-3260.
