Police Issue 'Urgent Alert' On Scams In New London

NEW LONDON, CT — Police are issuing an "urgent alert" to the community about a spike in spam calls targeting residents.

The scam involves impersonating law enforcement officers and claiming that a loved one is in custody and requires payment to avoid legal consequences.

Here's the full statement from the New London Police Department:

The New London Police Department is issuing an urgent alert to our community and the public regarding a troubling increase in scam calls targeting our residents and the public. Scammers are posing as law enforcement officers or legal representatives, preying on your emotions by claiming that a loved one is in custody and urgently needs payment to avoid serious or dire legal complications.

These deceptive individuals often create a sense of panic, demanding immediate payment via wire transfer, prepaid cards, or other non-traditional methods. They may provide convincing details about the supposed arrest or legal situation to make their claims seem legitimate.

It is crucial to understand that these calls are fraudulent. Legitimate law enforcement agencies and legal professionals do not demand immediate payment over the phone, especially through unconventional means. If you receive a call of this nature, do not provide any financial information or engage further with the caller.

Instead, hang up immediately and verify the information through official channels. Contact NLPD directly to confirm whether your loved one is actually in custody or facing legal issues. You can also attempt to reach your loved one through their known phone number or other reliable means of communication.

Protect yourself and your family from these heartless scams by remaining vigilant and informed. Share this alert with your friends, family, and neighbors to help prevent them from falling victim to these criminals. Together, we can combat these scams and keep our community safe. If you have been targeted by this scam, please report it to the NLPD or the respective department immediately.