Waterbury Cops Warn Of Scam Targeting Residents

WATERBURY, CT — Scammers have been targeting city residents by claiming to be elected officials or government representatives and demanding payments through gift cards.

Police on Monday issued a warning about the scam on their Facebook page.

The scammers claim there is an urgent fine, office issue or emergency, police said. The scammers insist residents make a payment through gift cards, such as Apple, Google Play or Amazon.

The scammers have pressured victims by claiming they could face arrest or account suspension if they don’t comply, police said.

Legitimate government officials would never request a payment via a gift card, police said. They also would never demand payment by phone or email, according to police.

Police advised residents to hang up the phone or ignore the message.

Residents should also contact the official’s office directly after independently researching their contact information. Never use the contact information provided via the correspondence, according to police.

Police cautioned residents to never purchase or send gift cards, or share card numbers with anyone who is demanding a payment.

If scammers contact you, report it to Waterbury police at 203‑574‑6911, or to your local police department.