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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
thefintechtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Revolut introduced an in-app calling feature for personal customers to combat impersonation scams, where fraudsters impersonate banks or trusted authorities. The feature creates a secure communication channel within the app that external parties cannot replicate, allowing customers to verify they are speaking with legitimate Revolut representatives. Impersonation scams among Revolut customers have declined to their lowest levels in nearly two years despite the company's user growth.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The NYPD issued a warning about romance scams targeting online dating app users ahead of Valentine's Day, noting that scammers typically profess love quickly, claim to be overseas, and request money for emergencies or travel through various payment methods including Venmo, Zelle, wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. The alert advises people to be cautious when dating online and provides contact information for reporting suspected scams to the NYPD SCAM ALERT hotline.
taipeitimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In the fourth quarter of last year, Taiwan reported NT$37.19 billion (US$1.23 billion) in fraud losses, with investment scams accounting for 56.9 percent of total losses and affecting 1,242 victims, predominantly women over 50 (516 cases). Criminals used social media advertisements and messaging apps to recruit victims into fake investment groups, while romance scams and impersonation schemes targeting bank/government officials also contributed significantly to losses, with victims taking 2 months to 2 years to discover they had been defrauded.
svalleynow.com
· 2025-12-08
The Marion County Sheriff's Department warned the public about a sophisticated caller ID spoofing scam targeting debit card holders. A scammer posed as a bank fraud department representative, using a spoofed caller ID matching the victim's bank, citing suspicious out-of-state charges, and requesting the victim's PIN number under the guise of card deactivation—a request legitimate banks never make. The victim avoided financial loss by refusing to provide the PIN and contacting their bank directly, which confirmed they would never request such information and canceled the card as a precaution.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra received a sophisticated scam call impersonating a world leader using AI-generated voice technology, which escalated to requests for donations and bank transfers before she recognized it as fraudulent. The incident highlights Southeast Asia's emergence as a major hub for telecom and online fraud, where hundreds of thousands of trafficked individuals are forced into "pig-butchering scams" that have cost Americans alone $3.5 billion in 2023, prompting calls for regional cooperation to combat the threat.
sbs.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Australians reported 249,448 scams totaling $318.7 million in losses to the ACCC's Scamwatch, with investment scams being the most damaging at $192.3 million (median loss $9,500), followed by romance and phishing scams. People over 65 were worst affected financially with a median loss of $1,000, while men overall lost more money than women, with email being the most common contact method used by scammers. Key warning signs include promises of easy money, requests from unknown contacts, links in messages, and pressure to act quickly.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This AARP educational article outlines five common scams targeting consumers and provides prevention strategies: credit repair scams exploit financial stress with upfront fees and false promises; social media ad scams deceive over one-third of U.S. adults who shop online by directing them to counterfeit retailer websites; utility scams use urgent threats of service shutoff to panic victims into immediate payment; concert ticket scams involve counterfeit digital tickets sold through unverified resellers; and unsolicited calls from unknown numbers may initiate fraud schemes. The article recommends verifying claims through official channels, researching company legitimacy with the Better Business Bureau, using secure payment methods, and avoiding clickable links in
cgsentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office issued an alert warning residents about an impersonation scam in which fraudsters pose as law enforcement and claim victims have arrest warrants or missed jury duty, demanding money or gift cards as "bail" while creating false urgency to pressure quick payment. Legitimate law enforcement never demands payment over the phone to resolve legal matters. Victims should hang up immediately and can verify caller information by contacting the sheriff's dispatch center at 541-440-4471 or report the scam to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
This article announces a WIRED livestream discussion on AI-powered financial scams, featuring an anecdote where Katie Drummond's father received a call from a scammer using AI voice cloning to impersonate her (no money was lost). The discussion covered deepfake video scams, social engineering tactics like creating urgency, and concerns about AI financial advisers that prioritize high-fee products over genuine financial help, with recommendations to use secret passcodes for authentication and maintain skepticism of AI-based financial services.
wiscassetnewspaper.com
· 2025-12-08
This AARP alert warns consumers about counterfeit concert ticket scams that exploit high demand and digital-only ticketing systems. The advisory recommends purchasing tickets only from verified, legitimate vendors; avoiding social media and online marketplace offers; and using credit cards instead of peer-to-peer payment apps to maintain consumer protections. No specific victim cases or dollar amounts are mentioned, as this is a preventative awareness piece.
discovermagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
A Florida woman was convicted and pleaded guilty to laundering over $2.7 million in an online romance scam ring, exemplifying a growing problem where the FTC reported consumers lost $8.8 billion to scams in 2022—a 30 percent increase from 2021. Scammers employ sophisticated social engineering tactics including romance cons, fake investments, deepfake videos, and manufactured crises, with adults 60 and older being 73 percent more likely to fall victim to such schemes. Research reveals scammers exploit psychological principles like reciprocity (building trust through small gifts) and crisis manipulation (creating urgent financial emergencies) to manipulate victims into sending money
english.elpais.com
· 2025-12-08
A Swedish man named Daniel lost €40,000 in a "pig butchering scam," a romance-based fraud scheme where a fake woman named Adele lured him into cryptocurrency investments through dating apps and WhatsApp. The scams, which generated $72 billion between 2020 and 2024, are operated from Southeast Asian compounds by crime syndicates with Chinese roots, where tens of thousands of trafficking victims—potentially 100,000 in Cambodia and 120,000 in Myanmar—are forced to impersonate romantic interests and financial advisors to defraud victims globally.
goodmenproject.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses elder abuse protections across the United States, highlighting that the elderly population is projected to nearly double from 49 million to 95 million by 2060, making protective measures increasingly urgent. States like Wisconsin, Vermont, and Massachusetts rank highest in elder abuse prevention due to strong funding and robust regulations, while rural states such as South Carolina, Utah, and South Dakota lag significantly due to policy gaps and insufficient resources. Financial fraud is identified as a prevalent form of elder abuse affecting elderly individuals, with states offering stronger safeguards—such as ombudsman services and elder care organizations—demonstrating lower average financial losses per fraud case.
tribuneonlineng.com
· 2025-12-08
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra received AI-generated voice messages mimicking a world leader requesting financial donations, with the scammer claiming her country was the only ASEAN nation that hadn't contributed. She became suspicious when the voice seemed artificial and the request escalated, highlighting the growing threat of AI-powered voice cloning technology being used in Southeast Asian scams, a region increasingly targeted by transnational cybercrime organizations.
vanguardngr.com
· 2025-12-08
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra narrowly avoided falling victim to an AI-based voice impersonation scam in which fraudsters used deepfake technology to mimic a foreign leader's voice in phone messages and voice clips. She became suspicious when a follow-up message falsely claimed Thailand was the only ASEAN country that hadn't made a donation, and a subsequent text message requested a bank transfer outside Thailand. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of call center scams in Thailand, where fraudsters commonly impersonate government officials, police, or bank staff using automated robocalls and AI-generated voices.
amp.scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
An 18-year-old University of Hong Kong student lost HK$9.2 million (US$1.1 million) in a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonated a mobile phone company worker and a Shanghai public security officer, convincing her she was involved in a money laundering case and directing her to make 14 transfers between December 2 and January 4. Police launched a manhunt for at least two suspects, and the incident reflects a sharp rise in scams targeting university students, with monthly victims increasing from 24 to 91 between September and October.
iomtoday.co.im
· 2025-12-08
An Isle of Man Bank customer lost nearly £200,000 after fraudsters impersonated the bank's fraud team and convinced the victim to purchase gold and send it via mail to London; the scam succeeded because it coincided with the customer's genuine card problems, making the call seem legitimate. The Cyber Security Centre's report for late 2024 also documented additional fraud cases including a £200,000 cryptocurrency scam, sextortion attempts, smishing schemes, and fake Facebook travel offers, with 2,721 suspicious emails reported to authorities and recommendations emphasizing independent verification and family communication about financial matters.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
"Brushing" scams involve criminals sending unexpected packages containing inexpensive items and QR codes to victims' addresses; when scanned, these codes direct recipients to fake websites designed to steal sensitive information like credit card numbers and Social Security numbers, or the packages are used to generate fake positive reviews for third-party sellers. Victims should avoid scanning QR codes, file fraud reports with retailers, monitor their credit reports, and update passwords if compromised. The scam puts recipients at risk of identity theft and reveals their personal information to criminals, even if they keep the free items.
kcra.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending "smishing" text messages impersonating FasTrak, California's electronic toll collection system, with messages urging payment of toll fees and including links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and credit card information. The FBI received over 2,000 complaints about these scams since early March, affecting toll services across at least three states, with the problem ongoing since February. Recipients should not click links, verify directly with their tolling agency using known contact information, and report suspicious texts to the Internet Crime Complaint Center or Federal Trade Commission.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A California baker lost over $7,500 in a fake-check scam when a fraudulent customer ordered 1,000 cupcakes, paid with a counterfeit check, then requested a refund for a reduced order before the bank withdrew the funds and cited the check as fraudulent. Fake-check scams, also known as cash-back scams, have been a persistent fraud method for years, exploiting the fact that banks make check funds available within 24-48 hours before fully verifying the check's legitimacy with the issuing bank.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Travel scams are proliferating in 2025, with criminals using AI to create fake websites, airline emails, vacation rental listings, and social media profiles to defraud travelers. One traveler lost $1,596 after falling for a fake United Airlines cancellation email and phone call scam, though United eventually refunded him after investigation. To protect themselves, travelers should verify listings through reverse image searches and multiple platforms, avoid suspiciously low fares, contact companies directly through official websites or apps, and cross-reference businesses against legitimate third-party sources before providing personal or payment information.
police.boston.gov
· 2025-12-08
District D-4 officers conducted an elder fraud prevention presentation at Susan Bailis Assisted Living Community, covering financial abuse tactics including mail, email, phone, and in-person scams. The presentation provided seniors with strategies for identifying potential abusers and recognizing warning signs of financial fraud. Community members are encouraged to contact their local Boston Police District Office with questions about fraud or suspected scams.
crimestoppers.ns.ca
· 2025-12-08
Halifax Regional Police are warning seniors about an ongoing bail bond scam in which callers impersonate family members claiming to be in jail and demand bail money, with suspects sometimes arranging in-person pickups at victims' homes. Police are seeking public assistance identifying a suspect described as a man aged 30-40 wearing black clothing and a mask, possibly traveling in a white SUV, and remind the public that law enforcement will never collect bail money in person and to hang up on such calls without providing financial information.
okcfriday.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece highlights the growing threat of digital-age scams targeting older adults, noting that adults aged 60+ filed over 100,000 complaints in 2023 resulting in losses exceeding $3.4 billion. The article identifies common scams including phishing, Medicare and health insurance fraud, and tech support scams, and recommends protective measures such as staying skeptical of unsolicited communications, never sharing personal information online, monitoring finances, and reporting suspected fraud to appropriate authorities including the FBI, FTC, and Medicare watchdog agency.
pasadenanow.com
· 2025-12-08
California's Insurance Commissioner and Los Angeles County District Attorney announced a joint initiative to combat insurance fraud targeting wildfire survivors, combining consumer education with enhanced prosecution efforts. The Department of Insurance has deployed teams to educate residents about their rights, verify contractor licenses, and enforce regulations including a mandatory seven-day waiting period before public adjusters can solicit business in disaster zones. Since 2019, the Department has distributed over $550 million statewide for fraud investigations and prosecutions, with free insurance support workshops being offered to help survivors understand claims processes and avoid common scams.
chulavistatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers nationwide are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating toll agencies and demanding payment for alleged unpaid tolls, with the goal of stealing victims' financial and personal information. Clicking the malicious links in these messages risks exposing sensitive data such as credit card numbers and identification details, potentially leading to identity theft and financial loss. Consumers should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify toll status directly through official agency channels, and report fraudulent messages to protect themselves.
rosevilletoday.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns of common tax-season scams including robocalls falsely claiming Social Security cancellation, fraudulent IRS impersonation emails and letters, and "ghost tax preparers" who don't sign returns and may claim unauthorized deductions. The article advises verifying tax preparer credentials through IRS Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTIN), confirming IRS correspondence through official seals and direct contact, and reporting suspected identity theft to local police or the IRS.
geaugamapleleaf.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Attorney General's Office provided guidance on recognizing common scams that disproportionately target seniors, who represent 15% of the population but account for more than 30% of reported fraud. Key red flags include requests for wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or immediate payment; unsolicited calls creating urgency or fear (such as impersonating the IRS or Social Security); phishing for personal information; and contractor scams requiring large upfront payments. The office recommends verifying caller identity independently, remembering that scammers can spoof phone numbers, and following the principle that if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra received an AI-generated voice call mimicking an unnamed world leader, requesting a donation and claiming her country was the only one in ASEAN that hadn't contributed. The incident highlights the growing threat of AI voice-cloning scams, which experts warn could affect millions as artificial intelligence technology advances, particularly concerning given that transnational crime organizations in Southeast Asia have already built a billion-dollar scam industry exploiting technological advances and the Myanmar civil war.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
A Chicago hair stylist lost $20,000 in the "phantom hacker" scam, in which fraudsters impersonated a Bank of America representative, warned her of suspicious account activity, and convinced her to wire money to a "protected" account for safekeeping. The FBI reports this scam is growing rapidly and notes that scammers use phone number spoofing to appear as legitimate banks, with victims unlikely to recover funds once they authorize transfers. Legitimate financial institutions never ask customers to move money elsewhere, and consumers should remain skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming fraudulent activity.
dailyrecord.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old French interior designer lost €830,000 (£700,000) to scammers posing as Brad Pitt over an 18-month period beginning in February 2023, after being initially contacted on Instagram by someone claiming to be Pitt's mother. The scammers used AI-generated photos and increasingly elaborate schemes—including fake news reports and claims of kidney cancer treatment—to convince the victim to send money, eventually depleting her entire divorce settlement. Action Fraud warns the public to avoid sending money to online contacts they haven't met in person, use reverse image searches to verify photos, and watch for red flags such as reluctance to video call, emotional
chulavistatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Three individuals—Gemma Traya Austin (Chula Vista), Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, and Bryan Navales Tarosa (Philippines)—were arrested and federally charged for orchestrating a publishing fraud scheme that defrauded over 800 senior authors of nearly $44 million between 2017 and 2024. Operating through PageTurner Press and Media LLC and Innocentrix Philippines, the defendants solicited victims with false promises of publishing deals and Hollywood film adaptations, then convinced them to pay upfront fees for taxes and processing that were never legitimate. All three face charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering
witl.com
· 2025-12-08
Two impersonator scams are currently active in Michigan targeting residents. The first involves a scammer posing as "Sgt. Common" claiming to represent law enforcement and requesting callbacks about "confidential legal matters," while the second involves someone named "Isaac Miller" impersonating Publishers Clearing House and demanding $500 upfront for a fake "claimer's card" to collect a nonexistent prize. The Ingham County Sheriff's Office advises residents not to engage with these callers and to contact legitimate authorities directly, noting that real law enforcement and prize notifications never demand upfront payment.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
On January 15, 2025, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody held a Senior Scam Seminar attended by over 500 seniors in Marion County and released a new educational resource called "Scams at a Glance: Grandparent Grifts" to help seniors identify and report grandparent scams. Grandparent scams involve imposters posing as family members claiming to be in emergency situations to solicit money, with victims often unable to recover funds; the resource provides tips including verifying claims directly with family, avoiding wire transfers and gift cards, and contacting law enforcement if an in-person payment meeting is requested. Since 2019, Attorney General
kxxv.com
· 2025-12-08
IRS tax debt scam calls are circulating in Central Texas, with scammers posing as IRS agents and requesting personal information, bank details, and payments via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Temple Police reported 142 scams since 2021 (62 in 2024 alone), and authorities warn residents to never provide personal information to callers, hang up suspicious calls, and contact agencies directly using official website contact information rather than numbers provided by callers. The legitimate IRS does not collect payments over the phone.
saga.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Investment scams cost UK victims over £612 million in 2023, with people aged 55-64 being disproportionately targeted and losing more than £133 million collectively; the average loss per victim was £25,000, though some lost significantly more. Scammers exploit older adults by targeting those with disposable income and leveraging fears about retirement, inheritance tax, and social care, often attempting multiple frauds against the same victims. Red flags include unsolicited contact, promises of unrealistic returns, and pressure to make quick decisions, with experts advising victims to seek independent financial advice before investing.
bangkokpost.com
· 2025-12-08
True Corporation is partnering with the Royal Thai Police to establish a joint "War Room" at police headquarters to combat call centre scams targeting Thai citizens. The initiative will integrate data from both organizations to identify and dismantle criminal networks using Simbox devices, irregular call patterns, and fraudulent SMS schemes through AI technology and advanced analytics. True Corporation has also implemented stricter SIM registration procedures, deployed the "True CyberSafe" alert system, and established a specialized fraud prevention team, while police launched the Cyber Check app to help the public verify suspicious phone numbers and bank accounts.
wng.org
· 2025-12-08
Connie Grundmann lost her entire life savings of $98,400 to a government impersonation scam that began with a fake Microsoft security alert on her computer in spring 2023. A scammer posing as an FTC agent named "Alvaro Bedoya" convinced her through fear and fake verification methods to purchase gift cards, withdraw cash from ATMs, and deposit funds into Bitcoin over three days. The FTC reported that consumers lost $76 million to government impersonation scams in 2023, while the FBI documented that tech support scam victims lost nearly $1 billion that same year, with actual losses likely much higher due to underreporting.
macaubusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra nearly became a victim of an AI-powered voice impersonation scam in which fraudsters mimicked a foreign leader's voice in phone messages claiming to seek her cooperation and requesting a donation. She identified the scam when a follow-up text message requested money be sent to a bank account outside Thailand, recognizing the request as inconsistent with legitimate diplomatic communication. The incident highlights the prevalence of sophisticated "call centre scams" in Thailand that use voice impersonation and robocalls to target high-profile individuals and the general public.
telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra narrowly avoided falling victim to an AI-powered voice impersonation scam in which fraudsters used a deepfake of a foreign leader's voice to solicit a donation. She became suspicious when a follow-up text message requested funds be sent to a bank account outside Thailand, and a subsequent message falsely claimed Thailand was the only ASEAN country that hadn't made a donation. The incident highlights the prevalence of sophisticated "call centre scams" in Thailand, where criminals impersonate government officials and other authority figures using robocalls and voice technology.
wrhi.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The IRS warns taxpayers to guard against evolving tax season scams including phishing emails, impersonation phone calls, identity theft, fake tax preparers, social media fraud, charity scams, and cryptocurrency schemes. Protection strategies include verifying IRS communications through official channels, protecting personal information, using legitimate tax professionals, and reporting suspicious activity to the IRS.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies major online scams targeting people in 2025, including romance baiting (formerly called "pig butchering"), immigration fraud, and AI-generated scams that exploit vulnerable populations. The author advises vigilance against scammers who use social engineering tactics, noting that law enforcement offers limited recourse for victims and recommending awareness of common warning signs to avoid becoming a target.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Guernsey Police warned residents about a social media scam involving a company called Modmount Ltd that posed as a news article about income tax and deceptively charged victims $250 after they opened accounts for an "initial investment." Scammers also contacted victims by phone from multiple numbers to pressure them for payment. Authorities advised islanders to be suspicious of suspicious online deals and offers that seem too good to be true, and to hang up on unsolicited calls pressuring them to sign up for schemes.
wrdw.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season scams are prevalent, with fraudsters impersonating the IRS through unsolicited calls, texts, emails, and social media to demand immediate payment or threaten arrest. The IRS only contacts taxpayers by mail, never by phone or electronic messages, and warns against fake tax advice on social media and demands for immediate payment. Filing taxes early, verifying tax preparers with the Better Business Bureau, and filing documents promptly can help prevent identity theft and refund fraud.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old French interior designer lost over €850,000 to a romance scam where a fraudster impersonated actor Brad Pitt using AI-generated videos and fake messages on Instagram, claiming to be in a relationship with her and later requesting money for medical treatment and customs fees. The victim, going through a divorce, was convinced by romantic poetry and fabricated hospital photos until she discovered authentic images of Pitt with another partner. This case is part of a larger pattern, with five individuals arrested in Spain in September 2024 for operating a similar Brad Pitt impersonation scam that defrauded two Spanish women of €325,000.
postindependent.com
· 2025-12-08
This piece contains two separate letters: the first urges donations to California wildfire relief efforts through organizations like the California Community Foundation and American Red Cross; the second outlines characteristics of grandparent scams targeting elderly people, including frequent calls, fabricated emergencies, urgency tactics, and requests for wire transfers or gift cards, and recommends verifying claims directly with family members, reporting to law enforcement and the FTC, and establishing family code words as prevention.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three defendants—Gemma Traya Austin of Chula Vista and Michael Cris Traya Sordilla and Bryan Navales Tarosa of the Philippines—were charged with operating a book publishing scam that defrauded more than 800 elderly authors of approximately $44 million between September 2017 and December 2024. The scammers falsely represented that their company, PageTurner, could publish victims' books or sell them to major studios and streaming services, but demanded upfront payments for taxes and fees before any publication or optioning could occur. All three defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, with
lamilano.it
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old man fell victim to an impersonation scam when a caller posing as his daughter claimed to need money for a new cell phone, resulting in a €300 loss. The investigation of this single complaint led authorities to identify nine suspects who had perpetrated over 30 similar scams across central Italy using the same technique, defrauding elderly victims of more than €50,000 total. All suspects were referred to judicial authorities for fraud charges.
stalbertgazette.com
· 2025-12-08
A St. Albert senior nearly lost over $7,000 to a resurfacing "Grandparent scam" in which a caller impersonated their grandson and requested bail money, though RCMP intervention prevented the loss. The scam typically involves fraudsters contacting victims via phone, email, or social media, posing as a distressed family member needing urgent money for bail or medical expenses, and demanding payment through wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash courier pickup. St. Albert RCMP warns that these sophisticated criminal operations are convincing and can target anyone, and recommends victims report incidents to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
hk-now.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers posing as Eversource representatives are targeting customers with threats of power disconnection to demand immediate payment, exploiting winter urgency and panic. Eversource and Waterbury Police warn that legitimate utility representatives never demand instant payment via phone, require gift cards or prepaid cards, or solicit personal information unsolicited; customers should hang up and call Eversource directly at 800-286-2000 to verify any contact claiming to be from the company. To protect themselves, residents should remember that caller ID can be spoofed, verify requests independently using contact information from their bill rather than search engines, and report suspected scams to local police.