Scam Alert: Waterford Police Caution Against Holiday-Season Scam

Post from Waterford Police Department:

As the holiday season is approaching, people will be making large scale purchases of items, including televisions. We want to warn you of a frequent scam that we see here in Waterford, that is ongoing all around us.

Each year around this time, a scam/theft takes place in which a person is contacted stating that a store has an overstock of televisions, and that they can be offered to the person for a deep discount - 70-80% off list price. They are asked if they can get some family or friends to put together a bulk purchase, and come to the store to pick up the TVs with cash.

They are then met by a person that takes their money, gives them an official looking store receipt, and tells them to go to parcel pickup or customer service. Upon arrival, there are no TVs, as the entire transaction is a fake, and is done unbeknownst to the store’s legitimate business.

Attached are pictures of a male [allegedly] doing this scam in the Peabody and Saugus Massachusetts area. Investigations we have had on these cases in the past has led us to this area before, so it is likely this person will be operating this scam in Waterford this year, police said.

Bottom line, if it sounds too good to be true, it generally is. Use good judgement in your purchases, and know that stores don’t demand cash for their purchases. If you know who this male is, please contact us via direct message, or at bmahoney@waterfordct.org. We will pass any tips we get along to the respective Massachusetts police departments.

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