CHP Warns Public of Amber Alert Scam Targeting Families

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is alerting the public about a scam involving its Amber Alert System, with reports of fraudulent activity spreading across the state, including the Mother Lode region. Scammers are posing as “Amber Alert representatives” and contacting individuals, offering to register their children in the system in exchange for personal and confidential information. In some cases, the scammers have even requested to meet victims at their homes.

“This is NOT how the AMBER Alert system works!” emphasized CHP officials in a statement. The Amber Alert system is a nationwide program designed to quickly disseminate information about missing children, and it does not require registration or personal data collection from the public.

The CHP has issued a series of tips to help residents identify and avoid falling victim to the scam. Officials urge the public to never share personal information, such as Social Security numbers, addresses, or bank details, over the phone or online with unsolicited callers. Additionally, the CHP advises verifying the identity of anyone claiming to represent the Amber Alert system by contacting local law enforcement directly.

Residents in Sonora and San Andreas have reported receiving such calls, prompting local CHP units to increase awareness efforts. “These scammers are preying on parents’ fears and exploiting a system designed to protect children,” said a CHP spokesperson. “We want everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”

The CHP encourages anyone who receives a suspicious call or message to report it to their local law enforcement agency or the CHP’s non-emergency line. Authorities are actively investigating the scam and working to identify those responsible.