Somerville Police Warning Against Elaborate Credit Card Phone Scam

SOMERVILLE, MA — The police department is warning residents about a scam in which callers falsely claim to be affiliated with a credit card company and law enforcement agency.

The Somerville Police Department said it has recently received multiple reports of the scam from community members. According to those reports, victims receive a phone call from someone claiming to represent a credit card company, such as American Express or Citibank. They are then told that a credit card opened in their name has been linked to criminal activity. The caller then transfers the victim to a supposed law enforcement agency, where an individual posing as a police officer requests that they file a report through a video platform such as Webex.

During the call, victims are asked to provide personal information, including their driver's license, Social Security number, financial information, and details about family members.

"Legitimate law enforcement agencies will never ask for sensitive personal information through video conferencing platforms, nor will they take official statements through apps such as WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, or similar services," Chief Shumeane Benford said in a statement.

Residents who receive such a call are advised not to provide any personal information, hang up immediately, and contact the real organization directly using a verified phone number. Anyone who believes the scam has targeted them should contact the department at 617-625-1600.

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