County Police continue to warn residents about a wave of phone scams that have been
reported in the past several months – and six, alone, since February 20.
In these incidents, the suspect (caller) has phoned from the same number, which appears to be local. However, Financial Crimes detectives have determined that the calls have originated from outside the country.
Generally, the scammer tells the victim that a family member or friend of the victim is in trouble or needs help. Scammers present a variety of emergency situations in these calls, to include a loved one who is in jail, has been in an accident, or has been physically hurt. The suspect often states that the event has occurred in another area and that the loved one is unable to talk. To help the family or friend, the victim is required to send money via wire transfer or other fund transfer (ie: pre-paid cards, internet transaction).
Police have compiled a list of tips residents should follow to help protect themselves.
