Crime & Safety
Scammers Steal Hingham Cop's Identity To Solicit Money
Over the last four weeks, women have called the police about a person presenting themselves as Sgt. Steven Dearth.
HINGHAM, MA — Police are warning people that one or more scammers stole the identity of a Hingham police sergeant and is using his identity to solicit money on dating and social media websites.
Over the last four weeks, women have called the police about a person presenting themselves as Public Information Officer, Sgt. Steven Dearth. Police said the scammers are using several fake Instagram and “PlentyofFish.com” accounts. The fake accounts use actual photos taken from the professional social media accounts of Sgt. Dearth, police said.
Police said the scammers try to convince the women to wire money or give them credit card information. All accounts reported to police have been reported as fake and closed, but new ones keep appearing.
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"The scammers use the name and photos of a police officer to gain the trust of the victim and to gain sympathy, claim they are a widower," police said in a press release.
Police urge that people never wire money, share credit card information or personal information online without first verifying who its shared with.
Find out what's happening in Hinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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