Crime & Safety
Bridgeport Police Warn Residents About Jury Duty Phone Scam
Bridgeport police say scammers posing as officers are demanding jury duty fines over the phone.
BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Bridgeport Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers identify themselves using the names of actual Bridgeport police officers and demand money from potential victims.
According to police Det. Jeffrey A. Holtz, callers tell residents they missed jury duty and must pay a $7,000 fine. The callers then provide instructions on where to send the money. Police said the calls are being made from fake phone numbers.
The department said it received multiple complaints about the scam over the past week. Police said the suspect has used the names of different officers. No cases have been reported in which anyone sent money.
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The Bridgeport Police Department said it does not solicit money over the phone for violations or criminal charges.
Holtz urged residents who receive similar calls to contact the department’s non-emergency number at 203-576-7671.
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Additionally, the case is being investigated by Detective Frank Podpolucha of the Financial Crimes Unit. He can be reached at 203-395-6359.
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