Overview of the Scam

Scammers are exploiting the Amber Alert system to target unsuspecting parents and citizens, preying on their genuine concern for missing and abducted children. Initially identified by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on Jan. 6, 2025, this scam is expected to spread quickly across multiple states. Similar fraudulent schemes have surfaced before — as early as 2011. However, TSERA Special Police intelligence analysists noted that past instances seem to have been more sporadic and less organized.

Criminals carrying out the scam claim to be “Amber Alert representatives,” seeking personal and confidential information about children and parents. The scammers make false promises of “enrolling” or “registering” children and parents in a supposed “database” for faster assistance if a child goes missing or is abducted. In some instances, the criminal actors are offering to conduct in-home visits with parents or community members as part of the ruse.

Victims are asked for personal details (names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, etc.) under the pretext of adding children and parents to a nonexistent “Amber Alert” or “missing children” database. Scammers may also request fingerprints, photographs, and video, which they will attempt to collect through an in-home visit. They may also request donations or claim that a processing fee is needed. There is no cost or fee when an official Amber Alert is authorized and issued.

The Amber Alert System

This is not how the Amber Alert system operates. There is no “registration” or “enrollment” process for children or parents before an incident occurs, nor does any type of “database” exist. Furthermore, there are no government or Amber Alert “representatives” who proactively contact members of the public, parents, or guardians regarding such matters.

In virtually all regions, the state police is responsible for preparing and transmitting legitimate Amber Alerts — which occurs only after a qualifying incident (such as a missing or abducted child) has been reported to local law enforcement.

No legitimate police or government agency — including state police officials — will contact parents or citizens to request information or schedule an in-home visit to register or enroll anyone in a missing person or Amber Alert system / database. Scammers may claim to be with Amber Alert, state police agencies, local sheriff’s offices, or federal entities; and may spoof phone numbers, caller IDs, or email addresses to appear legitimate.

What You Can Do

Parents and citizens are advised to stay vigilant when responding to calls or messages from unexpected or unknown numbers. Any call or message about “registering” children in an “Amber Alert” or “missing children” database is a scam.


Parents and citizens are reminded of the following as it relates to fraudulent impersonation scams:

1. Be wary of unsolicited calls or texts that create a sense of urgency. Always stop and verify before sharing any sensitive or personal information.

2. Caller ID spoofing is a common tactic. Even if a call appears to come from a police or government agency, hang up and dial the official publicly listed number to confirm its legitimacy.

3. Links in unsolicited texts or emails could install malware or lead to phishing sites. If you are uncertain, do not click.

4. Legitimate law enforcement or government agencies will never request personal information (Social Security numbers, bank details, etc.) or seek payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or money-transfer apps.


If you believe you have been targeted or victimized by this scam:

1. Report immediately to your local police. Retain and do not delete any messages or phone numbers, and write down everything that you can remember about the caller.

2. File a report and complaint with the FBI at ic3.gov and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

3. If personal information was compromised, visit IdentityTheft.gov for step-by-step advice on mitigating damage.

Message from TSERA Special Police

Aided in part by advanced technology and artificial intelligence — criminal actors, scammers, and fraudsters are engaging increasingly sophisticated scams. The parents, guardians, and citizens of communities must remain vigilant and aware of scams and criminal activities which target individuals and families. TSERA Special Police is among countless local, state, federal, nonprofit, corporate, and media organizations who make efforts to keep communities informed and ensure individuals and families remain safe and secure in today’s complex threat environment.

Together, we can help ensure our friends, family, colleagues, and communities remain up-to-date and informed against current and emerging risks and threats. By staying informed and reporting scams and frauds, you can thwart these threats and help to protect your family and community.

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