Milwaukee police warn about spike in phone scams

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Police Department is putting out a warning about a phone scam. 

The scammers call people, act like they are an officer, and demand money. 

"The Milwaukee Police Department does not request you to send money and will not call you to request you to pay for a citation or for a warrant," said Sgt. Efrain Cornejo. 

Sgt. Cornejo tells us the scammer will ask for money through cryptocurrency or gift cards, which is a red flag. He says the department is getting a spike in reports of these scams. 

If you do end up sending money and realizing you have been scammed, MPD asks that you call them and report it so they can investigate.