Pasadena – On Wednesday, the Pasadena Public Health Department issued a public warning after reports of scammers pretending to be health officials surfaced across California. While no incidents have yet been reported in Pasadena itself, the department wants residents to be alert and protect their personal information.

What the scammers are doing

According to Public Health Director Manuel Carmona, fraudsters are calling or messaging individuals and claiming to be from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD). Their goal is to obtain sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, credit‑card details, or any information unrelated to a legitimate health matter.

Some callers have taken the deception a step further by claiming a prescription was filled in the victim’s name and demanding “verification” details. In more elaborate schemes, scammers transfer the target to a video call where an actor dressed in a police uniform or other authority‑figure attire attempts to intimidate the victim with threats of legal action or cancelled prescriptions.

How to recognize a legitimate health outreach

Both CDPH and PPHD may contact residents for genuine public‑health purposes, such as disease contact tracing. However, these official calls will never ask for Social Security numbers, credit‑card information, or any data that does not pertain directly to the health issue at hand. If a caller requests such details, it is a clear red flag.

Key signs of a scam include:

• Urgent language or threats of legal consequences.
• Requests for financial information or unrelated personal data.
• Unsolicited video calls with individuals in fake uniforms.
• Claims that a prescription has been filled without the recipient’s knowledge.

What to do if you receive a suspicious call

Residents who encounter a dubious call should hang up immediately. They can then verify the legitimacy of the outreach by contacting the California Department of Public Health at 916‑558‑1784. If the caller appears to be a Pasadena health official, the Pasadena Police Department can be reached at 626‑744‑4241 for further assistance.

All suspected scams should also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission via ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Prompt reporting helps law‑enforcement agencies track and shut down fraudulent operations.

Why vigilance matters

Scams of this nature have become increasingly common nationwide, targeting vulnerable individuals and exploiting the trust placed in public‑health agencies. By staying informed and skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal data, Pasadena residents can protect themselves and their families from identity theft and financial loss.

“We want to make Pasadena residents aware of scams involving individuals impersonating public health officials to obtain personal information,” Director Carmona said. “We encourage everyone to remain vigilant about phone and online scams.”

The warning underscores the importance of community awareness and cooperation with local authorities to keep personal information safe.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.