DARTMOUTH — Numerous residents were targeted today by scam artists posing as officers from the Dartmouth Police Department, warning of false warrants for missing jury duty and demanding payment to avoid arrest.
The fraudulent calls, which spoofed the department’s phone number, informed recipients that they had missed jury duty and that a warrant was out for their arrest.
The caller, claiming to be a sergeant, used a real name from the department, provided a “badge number,” a “report number,” and insisted that police were en route to their homes.
Victims were urged to make an immediate payment using multiple options, including a kiosk in the police department’s lobby, to clear the warrant.
The Dartmouth Police Department has issued a statement clarifying that these calls are not from their officers.
They emphasized that they do not notify individuals of warrants over the phone and urged residents not to be intimidated into sending money.
The department encouraged anyone who has received such a call to disconnect without providing any personal information and to report the incident by calling 508-910-1735.
They also humorously noted that if there were an actual warrant, they would find the person eventually, or the individual could turn themselves in at the department’s address at 1390 Tucker Rd.
Police are investigating the scam and are asking the community to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities.
