NEWPORT — Police are warning of a phone scam that cost a local man $1,500.
On Tuesday police say they received a call from a resident of Albany stating that he was the victim of fraud.
The victim told police that a man, who identifies himself as “William Keeley,” called his residence stating he was providing legal aid for one of his friends.
Keeley told the victim that his friend was in a car accident and was currently in police custody. He went on to ask him to send over $1,500.00 through Walmart in order to bail out his friend.
Once the money was sent, police say Keeley called back stating there were complications with the incident and that more money was required in order to pay for bail.
Police are alerting the public to this scam, and say it is being used across the area to fraudulently gain money from unsuspecting individuals.
“If you receive a phone call with someone using a similar scenario, do not send them any money. As always be sure to confirm the identity of any individuals asking for money over the phone,” a statement issued by police reads.
