Fairfield Police Issue Warning Over Scammers Impersonating Police Officers

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield police are warning residents to be on the lookout for scammers who are impersonating police officers.

"We have received reports of residents receiving calls from individuals claiming to be Fairfield Police officers and telling them they failed to appear in court and now have an active warrant for their arrest," officials wrote in a statement. "Thankfully, the residents who have reported these calls have been vigilant and taken steps to verify the information before proceeding any further."

The scams usually involve demands for payment to avoid arrest or have a warrant dismissed.

"Scammers often create a sense of fear and urgency to pressure victims into acting before they have time to question the situation," officials wrote.

In the event you receive such a call, officials said to hang up and "contact the Fairfield Police Department directly at (203) 254-4800 to verify its legitimacy."

Also, here are some tips to avoid being scammed:

• Fairfield Police will never demand payment over the phone to avoid an arrest or cancel a warrant.
• Scammers may use the names of actual police officers to appear legitimate.
• Caller ID can be manipulated to make calls appear to originate from the Fairfield Police Department.
• Never provide personal or financial information or send money to an unverified caller.