Fresno Airport Warns Residents Of Family Emergency Imposter Scam

The Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is warning residents of a current phone scam that has scam artists posing as relatives in need.

According to ABC30, investigators say the suspects pose as a family member or friend pretending that they are stuck in airport custody.

The suspects tell people about their situation and beg them to wire money to authorize their release.

Airport officials have been made aware of the scam and are advising families to be wary of any calls that involve this type of story.

"We encourage families to resist the urge to send money right away," said FAT Media and Public Relations Officer Vikkie Calderon. "Verify this person's identity by asking questions that only the individual who's calling would know."

The Federal Trade Commission says that it's surprisingly easy for scammers to convincingly impersonate a loved one thanks to social media.

In order to make their story more legitimate, they may involve another person who claims to be an authority figure.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport also said their personnel does not detain travelers in exchange for wire transfer money.

"The airport again does not hold people for money, our airlines don't, our federal partners don't," continued Calderon. "Right there people should question why this person is reaching out."

If you receive a call like this, the Federal Trade Commission advises you to report the fraud on their website and to local law enforcement.

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