Simsbury PD: Scammers Are Pretending To Be Police

Simsbury Police Department

SIMSBURY, CT — Local police are warning residents that a phone scam is striking the community, in which the suspects are impersonating members of the Simsbury Police Department.

According to police, who issued an alert Tuesday, the scammers are calling residents, claiming there are outstanding arrest warrants or ongoing investigations, and are demanding payment to “resolve” the issue.

"In many cases, they are spoofing the Simsbury Police Department’s phone number, making the call appear legitimate," wrote the SPD.

According to the SPD, the department "will never call to request money, gift cards, bank information, or any form of payment to settle a warrant or investigation."

Police did offer residents some tips as to what to do if they receive one of these calls:

· Hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller.

· Don't give personal information. This includes an address, Social Security number, banking information, passwords, or any identifying details.

· Don't send money. No legitimate law enforcement agency will ask for payment over the phone.

· Call the Simsbury Police Department directly using the publicly listed number if you are unsure about a call’s legitimacy.

· Report the scam to the Simsbury Police Department so they it track activity in the area.

Police said there are some things folks can do to protect themselves from these calls:

· Be cautious of caller ID. Scammers can spoof phone numbers, making the call look official.

· Never feel pressured to act quickly. Scammers often create a sense of urgency. This is a red flag.

· Enable call-blocking features on your phone, if available.

· Discuss scam risks with family members, especially seniors who are common targets.

· Keep your personal information private and avoid sharing details on social media that scammers may use.

Those with questions or who believe they were a victim can contact the Simsbury Police Department at 860-658-3100.