Pasadena officials warn residents about fake health officer calls

Pasadena public health officials issued a warning on Wednesday regarding a growing number of scams where fraudsters pose as government employees.

The alert comes because the California Department of Public Health has received numerous reports of these calls across the state, even though Pasadena has not yet confirmed any local victims.

Manuel Carmona, the Pasadena Public Health Director, stated that the city wants residents to stay alert for people claiming to be health officials seeking sensitive personal and financial information.

He encouraged everyone to remain vigilant against scams conducted over the phone and online.

Officials clarified that while the state and local departments may contact residents for legitimate reasons like disease contact tracing, these calls will never ask for Social Security numbers, credit card details, or health-unrelated data.

In some cases, scammers claim a prescription was filled in the victim's name to create a reason for verification calls.

The Pasadena Public Health Department reported that some fraudsters escalate the deception by transferring victims to a video call with a person wearing a fake police uniform.

These calls sometimes involve coordinated actors in a staged recording room to reinforce the illusion of authority.

Scammers frequently use urgency and threats, warning of legal consequences or cancelled prescriptions to pressure victims into acting quickly.

Residents who receive a suspicious call should hang up immediately and call the California Department of Public Health at 916-558-1784.

Pasadena residents who believe they have been targeted should contact the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4241.

All incidents can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.