Johnston Police Warn Residents of Security Alarm Phone Scam

The once again warns residents of a phone scam.

The department recently released an e-alert detailing a phone scam that has occurred in recent months.

The scam works like this: residents receive a call at their home from someone claiming to be affiliated with a well-known or recognized home security company. The caller goes on to question the homeowner about whether they have a residential security system and if the system is actively monitored.

According to the alert, the police department cannot confirm the validity of the calls and encourages residents to be skeptical of any unsolicited phone calls they receive where they are asked to provide any information to someone they do not know and that could potentially jeopardize the safety and security of their home.

The department recommends that anyone who receives one of these calls should not provide the caller with information until they can verify the inquiry is legitimate.

This isn't the first warning Johnston Police have given residents of phone scams.

, the department altered residents of a phone scam targeting senior citizens.

The scammer would allege to be a family member of the victim and ask for funds to be transferred by Western Union for an emergency.

The Johnston Police Department urges those who receive calls from someone claiming to be a relative and asking for money to verify with a trusted third party.

"Sometimes it's momentum, they get caught off guard and their knee jerk reaction is to do something," Lt. Lynn Aswegan said to Johnston Patch in May. "Regardless of the situation they need to stop and think it through."

Anyone having questions or additional information regarding the described activity can contact Detective Sergeant Tyler Tompkins at 515-­278-­2345.