Sudbury PD: Beware Of Valentine's Day Phone Scams

SUDBURY, MA- The Sudbury police are warning residents to be extra vigilant of their phone calls this Valentine's Day.

The department posted on their Facebook page that many people will be receiving calls from loved ones on Thursday, wishing them a happy Valentine's Day. "We also expect that some will call with less than loving intentions," the department wrote, calling the scammers "phoning phonies" that cause a disturbance to the police force.

The department said a recent phone scam targeted a Sudbury resident and claimed his social security benefits had been canceled. The only problem was, the resident wasn't collecting social security benefits, police said, raising a red flag.

Sudbury police want to remind residents that these phone scams rely on fear and urgency and insist that residents take a pause and consider the situation before giving out any personal information over the phone.

The department posted these reminders for residents to keep in mind next time they answer the phone:

-The Social Security Administration will never suspend your number.

-If the IRS needs info it will contact you by mail (snail mail, not that electronic stuff)

-The police will never ask you to buy gift cards to arrange for bail or payment to clear a warrant. If you know you have a warrant, contact police, they will come to you, and offer free transportation to clear it up.

-If you receive a kidnap ransom call, contact the person that is allegedly kidnapped (they will probably answer and say they are fine), or call the police.

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