Nashua Police Department Targeted By ‘Spoofing’ Scam

NASHUA, NH — Some in Nashua have been hit with fake calls attempting to scam residents out of money by pretending to be the police.

Department officials were made aware of the “spoofing” scam and warned residents Thursday not to fall for the scheme.

“In these incidents,” Lt. Joshua Albert of the department’s criminal investigation division said, “the scam artists have called from a ‘spoofed’ phone number that makes it appear as if the Nashua Police Department is contacting the call taker.”

The scam artist then deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to a person’s caller ID display to disguise their own identity.

“These scam artists have used methods to make the call taker believe a family member has been arrested by police and needs money for bail,” he added. “In other incidents, they have instructed the call taker to pay funds to clear an outstanding arrest warrant or to release social security funds to the call taker.”

Albert said urged residents to take steps to protect themselves and their assets.

• Don’t act immediately. Resist the sense of urgency a scammer will create. Scammers rely on the emotional urge to help family and will exploit.
• Call family and friends who have contact with someone who is allegedly in trouble. Very often, the scammer will warn the victim not to call or tell anyone, this is a red flag the person who called may not be legitimate.
• Remember, you may think you know your loved one’s voice, but background noise, crying, and bad connection claims make it easy to misunderstand who you may be speaking with.
• If the caller represents themselves as a bail bond person, ask where the loved one is being held and contact that facility directly. Ask what town/city/county law enforcement agency made the arrest and contact them directly. Explain the situation and confirm the story before taking any action. A reputable bond person will be willing to meet with someone and walk them through the contract before the money is exchanged.
• Before a situation occurs, it is recommended to set social media settings to private. This limits the information available to scammers. Develop “secret codes,” passwords, or security questions only family members would know.
• Never send cash through the mail.
• Never purchase pre-paid gift-debit cards for the purpose of transferring money.

“Furthermore,” Albert said, “the Nashua Police Department will never contact you and demand payment.”

Anyone who has fallen victim to a scam of this nature was asked to contact the Nashua Police Department at 603-594-3500 or the Nashua Police Crime Line at 603-589-1665.

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