Here’s How To Tell The Difference Between An Imposter And An Officer

A man in Ohio has been impersonating an officer and pulling people over.

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According to law enforcement, his main target has been women.

Wayne County Sheriff's Office Posted A Warning On Facebook

The Wayne County Sheriff's office posted a video explaining how a law enforcement imposter was pulling people over in Wayne County, Ohio.

What Was He Driving?

The man was driving a dark-colored vehicle believed to be a Ford Taurus with a spotlight as well red and blue lights in the visor area of the car.

Why Was He Pulling People Over?

Police believe the imposter is trying to lure women. The imposter is reported as a tall, slim man who had been pulling people over and saying they had committed minor traffic violations.

Here's How To Tell The Difference Between An Imposter And An Officer

Getting pulled over by a police officer is an unnerving experience for anyone, and it's natural to feel anxious or uncertain when it happens.

However, there are some steps you can take to ensure that you are interacting with a genuine officer and not an imposter.

Consider Where You're Stopping

When you see the lights come on and before you stop, consider where you're stopping.

Put your flashers on, do not speed, and then drive to, especially at night, a better-lit location or public space, putting your flashers on indicates you know a cop is behind you.

Look For Offical Identification

First and foremost, you should look for some form of official identification.

A police officer should be wearing a uniform and have a badge, name tag, or other identification that clearly indicates that they are a law enforcement officer.

If you're unsure about the authenticity of their credentials, you can ask to see their police identification card or badge.

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Why Did They Stop You?

When a police officer stops you, they should first identify themselves and they should tell you the reason why they're stopping you.

Marked Police Vehicle

Another important thing to look for is a marked police vehicle. Most police departments have vehicles with clear markings, including the name of the department and a badge or emblem.

If the vehicle pulling you over is unmarked or does not have any visible signs of being a police vehicle, it's essential to be cautious.

Hit The Lock Button

Lock your car doors and only roll down the window enough to share your driver's license and registration when asked.

Call 911 If You're Unsure

If you're still unsure about the legitimacy of the traffic stop, you can call 911 or your local police department to confirm that the officer is who they say they are.

Keep in mind that if the person pulling you over is an imposter, they may try to discourage you from making a call or may try to confiscate your phone. In such cases, it's important to remain calm and collected and explain that you are simply trying to confirm their identity.

If you ever believe you were pulled over by an imposter, immediately contact your nearest law enforcement and tell them what happened.