Scam Alert: Woburn Police Warn Of Rise In Phone Scams

WOBURN, MA — The Woburn Police Department warned Monday of an increase in reported phone scams. Scammers make a wide variety of claims, including that you have a warrant for your arrest, you owe money to the IRS, a utility or a bill collector or a loved one is in need of assistance, whether legal or medical.

"In all of these types of scams the caller indicates they need money immediately," the police warned in a Facebook post. "They will often direct the victims to go to a store to purchase gift cards for large amounts of money."

The scammer will then ask for the numbers on the back of the card.

In other versions of the scam, the scammer asks for large amounts of cash to be shipped overnight, or they will pick up cash from the victim's home.

"Any time anyone requests you get gift cards, cash, or give credit card numbers it is all a scam!" the post warns.

Scammers also attempt to get personal information, including social security numbers, log-in information, dates of birth and credit card numbers, via phone and email.

"Never give out any personal information out to anyone unless you initiate the contact," the post concludes.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.