NORWICH – An over-the-phone money scam that first appeared in the area in 2009 has resurfaced once again and the Norwich City Police Department is urging anyone who receives a suspicious call of any kind – no matter how much seemingly factual information may be related – to think before they open up their wallet, purse or checkbook.
According to Police Chief Joseph Angelino, the most recent incidents being reported to authorities involve a “confidence-gaining” call – with factual information – which can lead an unsuspecting person into becoming a victim.
“There’s a reason these criminals are called ‘con-men’ or ‘confidence-men,” added the police chief.
The scam typically consists of a call, placed to specific family members and indicating a relative – usually a grandchild – is in some sort of trouble and needs money sent right away, said Angelino. Various circumstances are being used this time around, he added, such as the need for bail money to get a grandchild out of jail or the need for a check to be sent to an out-of-area business to cover damages caused in an accident or other occurrence. The person making the call, said the police chief, typically claims to be in a position of authority, such as a police desk sergeant, an attorney from a public defender’s office or a district attorney.
Similar telephone scams have come and gone in the past, according to police.
Said Angelino, “This concerns me because all of the victims have been elderly and the caller has factual information that makes the victim believe the circumstances could be true.”
Police believe this factual information may be coming from newspaper obituaries, college dean’s list publications, military enlistment press releases or something as simple as the telephone book.
“When someone gets a phone call late at night saying their grandson is in trouble – and the caller uses correct names and circumstances – this can be very disturbing ... it’s very convincing because they have so much information,” added Angelino. “If you get a phone call of this type, be suspicious right away.”
The most recent report of the scam included a grandson allegedly involved in a minor car accident near the college campus he attends, said the police chief. And while the name of the grandson and the college were correct, the accident and damages were falsely related as part of the scam. According to Angelino, the con-man told the intended victim that he was a public defender and that “charges would be dropped if the money was sent right away.”
Anyone receiving such a call, instructed Angelino, particularly if they know it’s factually incorrect, should hang up immediately. Getting a phone number to report to police could be of help, he added, but these types of calls are difficult to trace.
“The easiest thing to do is just hang up,” said Angelino.
Those wishing to report a suspicious call should contact the Norwich PD at 334-1212.