Sgt. David Chapman Calling? Police Say Hang Up & Call The P.D.

NEWPORT, RI—Two women in their 70's were targeted by a fraudster impersonating a Newport sheriff, police said Wednesday. Both outsmarted the imposter, who contacted them on the phone, by hanging and calling the police department.

One call came on Sept. 19 at about 4:30 p.m. The caller, identifying himself as “Sgt. David Chapman of the Newport County Sheriff’s Office,” said he had a warrant for her arrest and he needed to confirm her identity. She hung up. He called back and left a message the deputies were on the way to her home to arrest her.

"When the number was called back, it went to an automated answering service
stating it’s the 'Newport County Sheriff’s Office' with prompts to connect with
several Deputies as well as 'Sgt. David Chapman,' police said.” But it's a phony number.

"The provided number is not associated with the Newport County Sheriff’s Office," police said.

Then at about 7:30 p.m., a second woman received a call. This time, the impersonator called himself "Police Ofc. David Chapman" and gave a badge number. He said a relative missed a court date in New York, owed money and would be arrested if she didn't pay.

Police said residents should hang up and call the Newport Police Department immediately at 401-847-1302, if they receive such calls.

"At no time would a Newport Police Officer or other law enforcement officer call
on the phone and attempt to retrieve any type of payment for court fines or other
violations," police said.