Rhode Island Residents Warned Of 911 Scam

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's top safety officials are warning residents of a dangerous new telephone scam, where callers are pretending to be 911 operators to steal personal information. Residents are asked to be aware if they receive such a call, and are reminded that the state's 911 system will never call someone unless they are called first.

The only time a 911 operator will call a resident is if it is a call-back, Rhode Island's E-911 Director J. David Smith said. This includes verification of a need for service or address confirmation, but it would only happen If the resident had first called 911.

In addition, if 911 calls someone back for an official reason, it never appears as "911" on caller ID, Smith said, instead a 10-digit phone number.

According Smith, the scammers are identifying themselves as 911 operators, saying that they need personal information such as credit card information, social security numbers and other information that can be used to steal someone's identity or commit fraud.

Anyone who believes they were a victim of fraud is encouraged to reach out to Rhode Island State Police Headquarters at 401-444-1000.