Sikeston DPS warns residents of phone scam

SIKESTON — Sikeston Department of Public Safety on Tuesday, May 7 reminded citizens to be aware of phone scammers impersenating its officers.

“Recently, Sikeston Department of Public Safety received phone calls from citizens stating someone called them and claimed to be an officer from our department,” said Sgt. Tyler Rowe, public information officer for Sikeston DPS, in a news release issued Tuesday.

According to Rowe, the scammer called from a blocked/private number or with a phone number using a "573" area code.

“The subject on the phone informed citizens that they were from 'Sikeston Police Department' and they needed information in reference to an urgent legal matter,” Rowe said.

Citizens reported to DPS that the scammer left a voicemail and provided a callback number, which has changed often, Rowe said.

“When the call was returned, citizens were met with a recording stating they reached a confidential voicemail for Sikeston DPS. The voicemail requested the caller to leave their name and phone number for future contact,” Rowe said.

Citizens who answered the phone call informed DPS the caller introduced themselves as an officer of the department and told the caller they missed a court date, Rowe said. The caller stated the citizen possibly had a warrant issued for their arrest, he said.

“Please be aware that Sikeston DPS will not call you and inform you of an outstanding warrant,” Rowe said.

The only confidential number the department publishes is the Anonymous Tip Line (573-475-3774) and this is only for receiving calls with information from citizens, Rowe said.

“If you receive a call from anyone claiming to be associated with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and you believe the call to be suspicious in nature, please obtain the caller's name and badge number if possible,” Rowe said. “You can then verify the caller's identity by calling DPS Communications at 573-471-4711.”