Norwich Police Issue Warnings On 2 Phone Spoof Scams

NORWICH, CT — Police are warning residents about two telephone scams in which the Norwich Police Department phone number is spoofed.

The first scam targets dentist offices. The scammer will tell the dentist that they have recently been subpoenaed and as a result of the missed subpoena, the person owes money in court fines. The scammer then warns the dentist that if they do not pay the fine immediately over the phone, they will be arrested.

The Norwich Police Department does not issue subpoenas, does not issue fines associated with subpoenas, and will never threaten people with arrest for unpaid fines.

The second scam includes an automated message about a "public service announcement," but no other information is included. Numerous citizens and businesses have reported such calls to police.

"The only automated message the public will receive from the Norwich Police Department will be through the Everbridge system, which is a critical event management platform that informs the public of public safety or natural disaster events," the police department wrote in a statement.

"The Norwich Police Department will never ask for personal information, request payment for services rendered, or solicit monetary donations over the phone."