Protect Yourself Against Crooks Impersonating Cops

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Police impersonators are robbing people in Tulsa. It happened twice Thursday. Both times, four men in gold Ford Taurus jumped out wearing badges around their necks, claiming to be police officers. Both times, after being searched, the victims were missing cash.

How can citizens protect themselves against crooks impersonating cops?

The first thing you need to know is if an unmarked car pulls you over, state law requires that officer to be in a full uniform, not in jeans or undercover clothes. But, most people see a badge and follow orders.

That's what happened to Michael and Ashley. They were on a date with another couple around midnight when four men cut them off in this parking lot and jumped out with badges, claiming to be cops.

"They made us all get out of the car and searched the car," a crime victim said.

They could tell something wasn't right about these so-called police officers, but weren't sure enough to go against their orders because it was scary.

"You think if they are cops, this is weird, you think if they're not, what are they going to do to us."

After the men left, Michael and Ashley realized $100 and a cell phone were gone. That's when they knew they'd been had.

Police say the same crew robbed a man about a half hour earlier - frisking him, taking his wallet, claiming to check for ID. When the police impersonators returned the identification, the cash was gone.

"It's frustrating and makes you mad," the crime victim said.

It is very easy for people to buy police badges or light bars and spotlights, to dress up themselves or their cars to look like police officers.

If you're being pulled over and aren't sure if it's legit = call 911 and give them your location. They can tell you if an officer is there and if not, can send you one.

Another option is let the "officer" know you see them, then drive slowly to the nearest well-lit, well populated area and pull over there where it's safer.

Real police officers understand people's fear, especially now with these robbers on the loose.