YPD investigating Advanced Placement phone scam
Yuma Police are investigating a possible telephone scam involving a woman caller who claims to represent a nationally renowned nonprofit organization that administers Advanced Placement exams.
A local parent told police that the woman identified herself as “Mary Brannon” with the College Board, which administers Advanced Placement exams.
“The caller had personal information about the parent's adult child, and claimed that the child had submitted an online request form for tutoring,” officials with Yuma Union High School District stated Monday in a news release. “The caller then began to ask for personal information under the pretense of offering tutoring in AP.”
After YUHSD was notified about the incident, officials reported that they followed up with the Yuma Police Department and College Board who determined that the caller was a known scam artist that has also called other families across the U.S.
Not only is the alleged scam artist not associated with the College Board, but the College Board does not offer tutoring services.
“Understand there is a certain amount of information or information that can be obtained on the Internet about many people, including some of your children,” said YPD spokesperson Sgt. Clint Norred. “Do not give anyone your personal or banking information on the phone or by computer. Do not take their word they have spoken to, received some sort of information, application or other permission by a third party.”
Although some phone scams may sound official, he noted, that is not always the case.
“Know and understand the bank or government do not need these numbers, as they already have the records and will always have you complete any official business in person or at an official office, not over the phone and certainly not e-mail,” Norred explained. “Be suspicious if this information is requested and guard this information.”
If anyone is contacted by someone who claims to be from College Board, they should contact both Frank Núñez, APIP director for YUHSD at 502-4676, and Sgt. Clint Norred with YPD at 373-4732.
Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858.
