Yet Another North Shore Scam Reported In Marblehead

MARBLEHEAD, MA — For the second time in a week, Marblehead police are warning residents about a scam targeting town residents.

Last week, police asked for help from local banks and shipping businesses to be on the lookout — and potentially intervene — when it appears elderly customers might be victims of the so-called grandparent scam.

This week, police are warning residents about a group that is claiming to be raising money on its behalf.

"The Marblehead Police Department does not solicit funds through third-party sources," police said. "It has been brought to our attention that a group representing the 'Marblehead Police Defense Fund' has been soliciting for donations on our behalf.

"Please do not provide information or funds to any of these groups (or) individuals. It's a scam."

Also this week, the FBI warned residents across the North Shore about a scam involving a person purporting to be a lieutenant in the Essex County Sheriff's Department who was demanding money to pay for debts or resolve crimes.

The FBI said in that case the person, who identified himself as Lt. Steve Wilkins, was using a process called "spoofing" to make it appear that the calls were coming from the Essex Sheriff's offices.

"If you get one of these calls, hang up," the FBI said in a statement. "The Essex County Sheriff's Department will never call and ask for money."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)