Brookline Police Warn About Uptick In Scams

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline police are warning community members about an uptick in the number of reported cases of residents being scammed in town. In the past month there have been 26 reported victims of fraud in Brookline, police said.

There are many tactics used by scammers to trick you into giving them your personal information. Common tactics used by these scammers are posing as costumer service or debt collectors, and instructing their victims to purchase gift cards to pay off their "debt."

Police took to social media to remind residents that no debt collector, police officer or anyone will demand or even ask you to pay a debt using gift cards over the phone.

Another tactic police said they've seen is someone threatening a resident to take legal action or arrest because of overdue fines immediately, often asking for a payment to be made in gift cards over the phone.

Do not believe them.

"These scammers are known to target senior citizens and will use fear to coerce their victims into compliance," police said.

State officials have been aware of similar scams for some time and recommend looking for these tell-tale signs that give away scammers:

• The callers cannot provide simple information about your account, such as the name on the account, the address of the account, or even your account number.
• The callers demand payment using a reloadable debit card or other non-traceable form of payment. If the caller is demanding payment in that form, hang up.
• The caller is angry or threatening.
• It's the first time you're hearing about a payment being due. There are strict regulations governing the cut-off utilities and the legal process includes several notices being sent to the customer first. If you are hearing for the first time about a payment being due that day, it is likely a scam.

If you believe that you or a loved one have been a victim of fraud call Brookline Police at 617-730-2222.

Related:

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• Brookline Business Loses $1k In Eversource Scam: Police ...
• Scam Alert: Waltham Police Warn About Fake Home ...
• Police: Watch Out For These Phone Scams ...

Here's what the FBI recommends on how to avoid becoming a victim: Trust but Verify.