9 Scams Newtown Police Want Local Residents To Know About

NEWTOWN, PA — Police in Newtown are warning the community after "repeated reports of scams" that have recently targeted local residents.

In the most current township newsletter, Newtown Township Police Department listed a number of scams that have been reported locally.

Police warn scams can be sent through various communication channels, including email, postal mail, text, social media, and telephone.

"It is advised to disregard and block suspicious contacts and cease contact once a scam has been identified. Be cautious when clicking links and attachments in emails and text messages, and verify the source’s reliability," police said in the bulletin.

While it's often difficult for police to trace the scams because the perpetrators hide behind numerous spoof phone numbers or email accounts, authorities can help residents recognize, report, and handle a scam, "especially if one becomes a victim of identity theft as a result."

Police said they want local residents to be aware the following scams:

IRS: The scammer calls or emails, claiming to work for the IRS or another investigative agency and often demands payment with the threat of arrest or claim of active warrants. To support their claims, the scammer may initiate contact again and claim to be the local police or DMV. The IRS has confirmed that they do not operate this way and that they only send official correspondence through the US Postal Mail. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by telephone, email, or social media forums.

Blackmail/Extortion: The scammer claims to have confidential and/or scandalous information that they will release unless payment is made to them. These claims are often bogus attempts, and the scammer does not have any legitimate information.

Kidnapping/Ransom: The scammer claims to have kidnapped a child or loved one and demands payment. This scam often appears as an out-of-country telephone call, and often the phone numbers are associated with known scams.

Motor Vehicle Accidents: The scammer claims to be either a child, grandchild, or lawyer representing a loved one; the scammer states that they were in a car accident and requests money to pay for towing, retainer fees, car repairs, travel options, etc. The claims are often debunked when the recipient directly contacts their loved one or does not actually have a child or grandchild.

Computer Hacking: The scammer claims to have hacked the subject’s computer and to have access to all of their files. The scammer may initially offer computer repair services as a trap to gain remote access to the subject’s computer.

Employment Opportunities: The scammer presents a bogus job opportunity online and tries to con the applicant for their information.

Fraudulent Checks: The scammer sends a fraudulent check with instructions how to cash it.

Credit Agencies: The scammer poses as a debt relief or credit agency and ask for PINs, passwords, or other confidential access information to credit card and bank accounts. It is advised to contact your bank or credit card agency directly for verification before providing any information.

Phishing: The scammer tries to lure one into providing or confirming personal information by posing as legitimate organizations. The scam usually provides a link that will lead to a spoof website that may look legitimate enough but is not. Most legitimate companies won’t request personal information over email.

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