SWANTON, Ohio. (WOWO) — Fake cops are showing up in communities across the country – now it’s happening in the Northwest Ohio city of Swanton.

A teenage girl walking home from school says a man in a vest and empty holster confronted her, never showed a badge, and made odd comments about checking “legal status.”

WTVG reports that police confirmed no officer made the stop.

Impersonators like this are becoming a real threat – and authorities say families need to be alert and prepared.