Barnstable Police Warn Residents About Increase In Scams

BARNSTABLE, MA – Barnstable Police are warning the public to be extra vigilant following an increase in scams over the past few weeks.

Barnstable residents are warned that two scams in particular have increased in the community recently. There has been an increase in Unemployment Insurance Filing scams in which scammers ask for debit card information, private bank information or other methods of payment in order to process a claim. Other red flags include callers asking for an uploaded copy of a driver's license, birth certificate and social security card information.

According to Mass.gov, residents should be aware that there is no fee to file for unemployment benefits. The state will not ask for personal or private information by email or text message. Additionally, emails asking for payment should be deleted, because the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance will never communicate via email regarding direct deposit.

Barnstable Police are also warning residents there is a Craig's List scam where houses are being advertised for rent when they are not available. Red flags that an advertised home is a scam is that the advertiser will require you to wire money to pay a security deposit, application fee, first month's rent or vacation rental fee. Another red flag is if the advertiser says they are currently out of the country.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact Barnstable Police.