SCAM ALERTS and ADVISORIES
Scam Alert! Scam Alert! Scam Alert!
https://www.wwnytv.com/2022/11/21/sheriffs-office-warns-arrest-warrant-scam/
https://www.idtheftcenter.org/post/police-warrant-scam/
https://patch.com/massachusetts/andover/scam-pay-or-get-arrested
Our office information has also been used in connection with a recent phone scam.
The scammers will call you from either a “private/blocked” number, or they can also manipulate caller id services to look like they are calling from our office or a legitimate business/ official office. Scammers claim they are either a government official, Sheriff, State Marshal, police officer, etc. and will DEMAND money. Scammers typically ask that it be sent using an untraceable or un-refundable method of payment (gift card, “MoneyPak”, “GreenDot”, prepaid credit-card, money transfer, or any Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin), however they have also provided our address in order to “meet” them on location to pay with cash. The scammer will threaten immediate arrest unless the debt is paid. The scammer may have your personal information, including Social Security numbers and your current/previous addresses. The scammers can be very convincing, even naming actual Judges, State Marshals, Attorneys, Police and other uniformed officers who are aware of your “case” and may even provide real-sounding court docket numbers or similar details about your case.
NEVER use an untraceable method to pay “important” debts.
- Scammers can spoof legitimate phone numbers.
- Scammers can replicate legitimate phone numbers and impersonate a business, which can fool victims into falling for the scam. Your caller ID may even display the business name. If you receive a call, hang up and call our office directly at 860-610-0295
- Scammers will use aggressive and urgent language.
- Scammers will prey on your fears and claim you must transfer the funds before it’s “too late.” They will use aggressive language to scare you into acting quickly, even insisting that you may “not hang up the phone”. Be sure to remain calm, ask questions and never be rushed into anything. If you receive a call like this, hang up and call our office directly at 860-610-0295 and/or notify the police.
- Never share sensitive or personal information with unidentified individuals.
- Scammers will attempt to convince individuals to provide OR MAY ALREADY HAVE your personal information, birth dates, PINs, Social Security and any other sensitive information. You should never provide confidential account information to unidentified/unverified individuals or to unsolicited callers.
IMPORTANT
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud, be sure to file a police report as well as notify our office.
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