Is a Missouri state trooper calling you? Why you should be cautious of this telephone scam

Missouri Highway State Patrol is warning the public of a telephone scam that’s been reported in several incidents throughout the state.

In the incidents, a suspect impersonating a state trooper contacted someone associated with a person involved in a motor vehicle crash and attempted to solicit money, the highway patrol said. The suspect could intimidate the victim with false claims of impending or nonexistent court charges or proceedings, according to the highway patrol.

If a person calls and asks individuals to send money anywhere, consider it a scam, the highway patrol said. Highway patrol employees will not solicit funds, demand payment, process bonds or accept money to prevent or erase charges.

The highway patrol asks citizens to check phone numbers on verified websites and not confirm any identifying information to suspected scammers.

People contacted by suspected scammers are asked to report to their local highway patrol troop headquarters.