January 31, 2007
Purdue police warn students about deceptive phone calls
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue police on Wednesday (Jan. 31) issued a warning to students about a number of suspicious calls claiming to be from the police department.Police Capt. John Cox said a small number of students living in Cary Quadrangle received harassing phone calls on Monday (Jan. 29) that sounded like an automated call claiming to be from a police officer. In each of the calls, the students were asked to give out personal information. The calls were received from 2 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Cox said.
"If students do receive a genuine call from the police, the officers will always identify themselves by giving their names, rank, department and the reason they are calling," he said. "If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer and they will not identify themselves, you should get as much information about the caller as you can - such as any background noises or discernible accents - hang up and immediately call the police. Most importantly, never give out any personal data about yourself."
If students do get a suspicious call, Cox said they should record the incoming phone number with caller ID if possible so they can give it to the police.
For information or to report similar calls, contact the Purdue Police Department at (765) 494-8221.Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu
Source: Capt. John Cox, (765) 494-8221
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Related Web site: Purdue University Police Department: http://www.purdue.edu/police
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