Watch Out For These Scams, New London Police Say

NEW LONDON, CT — The New London Police Department is warning residents about scams involving people falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers.

The department posted the following public service announcement on Facebook:

Be alert, recent uptick in phone scams. Scammers are contact people and falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers, alleging the individuals they contact face immediate arrest unless they provide payment in some form (i.e. gift cards, cash transfers, etc.).

Key Points:

* Police Departments never solicits payments over the phone to resolve legal issues. Any communication requesting such payment is fraudulent.

* Scam Tactics: Scammers often use convincing language and may even impersonate real officers or use spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.

* Protect Yourself: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer or representative of law enforcement demanding payment, do not comply. Instead, hang up immediately and contact the respective Police Department directly to verify the call's authenticity.

* Vigilance is Key: Stay vigilant and cautious when answering unsolicited phone calls. Never provide personal or financial information to unknown callers. Discuss this warning with family members, especially seniors, who may be more vulnerable to these scams.

The New London Police Department is committed to protecting our community from fraud and scams. By staying informed and exercising caution, we can collectively combat these deceptive practices and prevent financial loss.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us or your respective police department. Thank you.