Westport Police Warn Residents About Scammers Claiming To Be Officers

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Police Department said it has received numerous inquiries and official complaints about a telephone scam in which callers falsely claim to be members of the department.

According to Westport Police Lt. Anthony Prezioso, the callers use different names and ranks and provide varying explanations, but they typically tell people they missed a court date or jury duty appearance.

"The caller will then explain that they need to receive some form of instant payment, typically Green Dot Cards, to then be able to provide a new court date," Prezioso wrote in a news release. "This is a scam."

Westport police emphasized that the department will not call people to demand payment for missing jury duty or court.

The department advises residents not to provide personal or financial information to unsolicited, unverified callers. Additionally, people should be cautious of callers who create a sense of urgency or request payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or other unusual methods.

"Should you receive a call like this, please hang up immediately," Prezioso said. "If you have questions about the authenticity of a call from someone claiming to be a Westport Police Officer, you should contact the Westport Police Department directly using our non-emergency phone number, (203) 341-6000, to verify the information."

The origins of the scam calls are under investigation, but Prezioso warned that the calls are likely to continue. The department encouraged residents to share this information with family, friends and neighbors.