Fairfield Police Recover $7,000 Stolen From Resident In Phone Bail Scam

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield police recently recovered $7,000 stolen from a resident in a telephone scam involving callers posing as her son and an attorney, according to Fairfield police officials.

The resident told police she received a call from someone claiming to be her son, who said he had been arrested following a motor vehicle accident and needed money for bail.

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A second caller, pretending to be an attorney, instructed the woman to withdraw cash and arrange for someone to pick it up, officials wrote on Facebook.

Believing her son needed help, the resident withdrew $7,000 and gave the money to a driver.

Fairfield patrol officers investigating the incident obtained information that allowed them to contact the driver. Police determined the driver had been hired through a rideshare service and was not involved in the scam.

Officers recovered the full $7,000 and returned it to the resident.

"Recovering money lost to financial scams is uncommon," officials wrote. "In this case, the quick actions and dedicated investigative work of Fairfield Patrol Officers made it possible to return every dollar stolen, highlighting the importance of promptly reporting financial fraud."

Police said financial scams such as this one have become more sophisticated. They also warned residents about scams in which callers create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into sending money.

The department reminded residents that police do not send messengers to collect bail money or accept bail payments over the phone or by credit card.

Residents who receive calls claiming a family member has been arrested or is experiencing an emergency should verify the information by contacting the police department using a phone number obtained independently, police said.