Stalking (False Pretenses)

This email is being sent to the campus community as a Timely Warning regarding crimes that occurred on campus property. The following is provided for your personal safety.

The UCSB Police Department has received multiple reports, between October 1-18, 2024, from community members who have received phone calls and/or text messages from unknown persons, who in some cases represent themselves as police or government employees. 

Through these calls or text messages, the callers attempt to collect money either through money transfer apps (e.g., Zelle, Apple Pay, Venmo, etc.) or through purchased gift cards.  Some callers have shared threatening photos or videos and/or have threatened family members to intimidate the persons into making payment.

UCPD is investigating these crimes. If you have information that might assist in the investigation, please contact the UCSB Police Department at (805) 893-3446, or report crime information anonymously at www.police.ucsb.edu/report-crime.

UCPD reminds the campus community of the following:

Safety Tips

  • Never share personal or financial information by email, text, or over the phone.
  • Do not transfer money to or deposit checks from unknown contacts.
  • Immediately block suspicious emails or text messages, and report them as spam if this is an option from the service provider.
  • Anyone with concerns they've been a victim of fraud should report it to the UCSB Police Department at (805) 893-3446.

UCPD shares these Safety Tips while recognizing that perpetrators, and not the victims or survivors, are solely responsible for their actions.

Resources

  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides individual counseling, group counseling, and wellness opportunities to students. Call (805) 893-4411 or submit a CAPS Services Request Form. 24/7 phone counseling is available by calling (805) 893-4411. CAPS website: https://caps.sa.ucsb.edu.
  • The Academic & Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) offers short-term counseling, consultation, wellness workshops, and assistance with threat management to faculty and staff. Call (805) 893-3318 to schedule an appointment. ASAP website: www.hr.ucsb.edu/hr-units/employee-services/asap
  • The UCSB Police Department's CSO Safety Escort Program is a free service provided to members of the UCSB community as a safe alternative to walking alone at night. Call (805) 893-2000 to request a CSO escort. For more information: https://www.police.ucsb.edu/cso/cso-safety-escorts.

**UCPD encourages printing and posting this Timely Warning for further community notification.**

WHAT IS THIS NOTICE?  

In compliance with the Clery Act, Timely Warnings are issued by the UCSB Police Department when certain (Clery Act) crimes occurring on campus property, properties controlled by campus-affiliated organizations, or public property immediately adjacent to campus are determined to be a serious or continuing threat to the campus community. Timely Warnings are intended to prevent similar crimes and to provide information that will assist community members in protecting themselves.

 Manage your UCSB ALERT contact settings at http://alert.ucsb.edu