Phone Scammer Claims To Be East Hampton Cop: PD

EAST HAMPTON, CT — A scammer called a resident claiming to be a local police officer and accused the person of fraud this month, according to police.

The scammer took the additional step of making it appear the call was coming from the East Hampton Police Department’s legitimate phone number, 860-267-9544, police said.

Police issued an alert to residents on Facebook on May 5 so they will be cautious.

“This is a common scam known as ‘caller id spoofing.’ This scam involves covering up their original telephone number with the department's telephone number,” police said.

In this type of scam, a caller typically will demand the victim make an immediate payment - often via gift cards, wire transfers or gold - to avoid being arrested, according to police.

Local police reminded residents in the alert that legitimate law enforcement would never call someone and demand payments to avoid an arrest.

If you get a suspicious call, the department recommends you hang up, then call the police on their verified number to report it.

Police are urging residents who believe they were targeted by scammers claiming to be from the department to call them directly at 860-267-9544, or come to the department to speak with an officer.

Residents should also report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.