Scammer Posing As Fairfield Police; Targeting Doctors, Cops Say

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield police are warning residents of a phone scam in which the scammer poses as a Fairfield officer, authorities said, noting the scam seems to be targeting doctors.

The scam calls appear to be coming from the police department's non-emergency phone number, but they are not, according to law enforcement.

"The recipient of the call is told they missed a court appearance in which they were required to provide expert testimony in a case potentially involving a patient and that as a result, a warrant for their arrest has been issued," Sgt. Michael Stahl said in an email, adding some recipients received a voicemail referring to a “confidential legal matter” and were given a callback number that is not affiliated with the police department.

"These calls are fake and the phone number on the caller ID is being 'spoofed' or altered to appear as if they are coming for the police department. Please just ignore the call and do not respond. The Fairfield Police Department does not generally call individuals regarding active arrest warrants and never calls anyone regarding missed court appearances."

The call recipients recognized the scam and contacted police, authorities said, noting that such calls usually result in the scammer soliciting money for bond and threatening immediate arrest if the bond is not paid.

"The Fairfield Police Department does not take bond payment over the phone and bonds are only ever accepted following an arrest, not to prevent one," Stahl said in the email. "We encourage any resident who is contacted by an unknown individual and is asked for money to contact the Fairfield Police Department if they are concerned or in doubt about the legitimacy of the call. Odds are, the call is a scam with the purpose of extorting individuals for money."

Anyone who receives such a call is asked to contact police at 203-254-4800.

For more information on how to avoid becoming a scam victim, visit fpdct.com/news-releases/fairfield-police-provide-tips-on-how-to-protect-yourself-family-from-falling-victim-to-scams/.