Trumbull Police Warn Residents Of Scams Targeting The Elderly

TRUMBULL, CT — The Trumbull Police Department warns residents about a recent increase of scams targeting senior citizens.

In a recent Facebook post, police said there are numerous types of scams like these, however they can be difficult to investigate even if police are made aware of them; often, the suspects are in another country or quickly leave the scene with little information about them left behind.

"Due to complexity of these cases, the victims most likely will not get their money or valuables back," police said on Facebook.

According to police, these types of scams can include:

-The caller claiming to be a family member that has an illness or was arrested. This caller will put urgency into helping them and tell the victim not to contact anyone, especially the police.

-The caller may claim to be a law enforcement official that has custody of the victim’s family member and would demand bail or funds for their release.

-The caller may claim to be law enforcement stating that the victim’s social security number or bank accounts have been "compromised." The caller will ask personal information to "verify" the identity of the person they are calling, getting the victim’s information including social security and bank account numbers.

-Random emails or texts with an urgent message are sent stating that one’s social security number, bank account, or any other personal accounts has been "compromised" and needs immediate attention.

-Distraction scams where suspect(s) randomly show up at the home of elderly residents pretending to be from a utility company, then try to lure their way into the house. Once inside, one suspect will distract the victim while another suspect will steal valuables.

Police urge anyone who receives a call they believe is a scam to:

-Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.

-Verify the caller’s identity; ask questions that a stranger would not be able to answer.

-Check with a family member to see if the information is true.

-Do not send cash, gift cards or conduct money transfers; once the scammer gets the money, it’s gone!

-Do not give personal or bank account information by email, over the phone, or by logging into bank accounts as directed by the caller.

-Do not respond to random calls, emails, or text messages that contact you for personal information; find the contact information on your own to verify the legitimacy of any random solicitation.

Police also ask residents to keep the following in mind:

-Do not let strangers into your home that have arrived unannounced and request access inside.

-Police agencies do not contact family for bail money.

-Neither police agencies nor the IRS ask for money to fix social security or bank accounts, and they do not request gift cards for payment.

-Police agencies do not send text messages asking for account information as part of an investigation.

"Police are asking senior citizens and their family members to be aware of these scams," police said. "Never send the money the caller is asking for, as you are unlikely to get it back. Protect your information and never provide banking information or log in to your accounts while the caller is on the phone. If you have parents or elderly people in your family, take the time to explain these scams to them."

Residents can call 203-261-3665 to contact Trumbull police, or dial 911 for all emergencies.

Read the post in full here.