NEWMARKET — Newmarket Police Department is issuing a scam alert to warn residents, particularly the elderly, about a new scheme involving fraudulent phone calls from individuals posing as relatives in distress.
According to the police, the scam typically begins with a phone call to an older person from someone claiming to be a grandchild.
The caller alleges they have been arrested and jailed following a car accident and urgently need a significant amount of cash for release.
To add credibility to their story, a second scammer may join the call, impersonating the supposed loved one’s attorney.
The fraudulent scheme reaches its peak when the scammers arrange to send a “courier” to the victim’s home to collect the demanded cash.
Authorities urge residents to be vigilant and to recognize that such calls are not legitimate.
The Newmarket Police Department advises anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be a family member in trouble to take steps to verify the authenticity of the situation.
They emphasize that personal information, including names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and addresses, should never be disclosed over the phone to unrecognized callers.
Residents who receive suspicious calls or are uncertain about a caller’s legitimacy are encouraged to contact the Newmarket Police Department for assistance in verifying the call’s validity.
The department is actively working to safeguard the community against such deceptive practices and prevent potential financial losses for its residents.
