Phone Scam Alert Issued By Hartford State's Attorney

HARTFORD, CT — Hartford County's top legal official is warning people about a phone scam that disturbingly alleges the victims are part of a human trafficking probe.

Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney Sharmese L. Walcott Monday warned residents about a phone scam targeting individuals in and out of the area purporting to be from the Hartford County State's Attorney's Office.

She said several Connecticut residents and residents in Virginia and New Jersey have reported receiving fraudulent phone calls from a Hartford Judicial District telephone line.

According to Walcott, the callers identify themselves as "Investigator," "Special Agent," and specifically as “Special Agent Stacey Moy.”

She said the caller then claims the recipient of the call is part of a human trafficking/prostitution investigation and the victims has to pay a fine through the Zelle cash app or face jail time.

"While the individuals who reported the calls recognized the scam and quickly hung up, preventing further interaction, it is suspected that the callers are attempting to solicit money from other Connecticut and East Coast residents," wrote Walcott in a release Monday.

Walcott said the Hartford State’s Attorney’s office would never contact residents by phone regarding investigations and demand payment.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call from telephone number 860-566-3190 should not engage with the caller, Walcott said, and they should hang up immediately.

"Residents should remain vigilant and share this information with family, friends, and neighbors to prevent potential victims from falling prey to this fraud," Walcott said.

For any additional concerns or to report suspicious activity, call the Connecticut State Police message center at 860-685-8190 and select 8.