'Sophisticated' Phone Scam Uses Names Of Darien Police Officers

DARIEN, CT — A "sophisticated phone scam" is targeting residents of Darien and other area communities by using the actual names of Darien Police Officers during the calls, according to Darien Police Captain Jeremiah Marron Jr.

The potential victims are receiving calls from scammers identifying themselves using the officers' names.

"In the most recent version of this scam, the suspect informs the victim that they have missed a court appearance and must purchase gift/voucher cards or conduct wire transfers in order to pay 'bond' fees," Marron said. "If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are often threatened with arrest and the caller may become hostile and insulting."

Over the summer, Darien police warned residents of a similar scam that also "spoofed" one of the department's phone numbers.

"Residents should also be warned that these scams can be so complex, that the suspects have set up legitimate sounding voicemail greeting messages in the event you hang up and call back," Marron said of the latest cases. "If someone is identifying themselves as a 'Darien Police Officer,' and something doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t."

Darien police and other legitimate law enforcement agencies "will never ask you to make a money wire transfer, ask for credit card numbers, nor request pre-paid debit, gift/voucher cards for 'bond' over the phone," Marron added.

If you receive such a call, hang up, Marron said. The only number you should call back is 203-662-5300.

"[That] is our routine telephone number which will put you in contact with our Communications Center."