Middlesex Sheriff's Office Warns Locals Of Ongoing Scams

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MA — Ongoing scam attempts are targeting people across the MetroWest, and the Middlesex Sheriff's Office has seen them all.

The office says scams are targeting residents with "sophisticated tactics via text, call, email, and online platforms."

Among the fraudulent schemes the MSO is warning of are jury duty and arrest scams.

"In these scams, perpetrators claim individuals have missed jury duty or threaten arrest over the phone for failing to pay fines or fees," officials said.

"The scammers advise individuals to make payments using unconventional methods – like cryptocurrency or gift cards – or surrender themselves to law enforcement agencies at specific locations. In these cases, the perpetrators will often use the name of current or retired law enforcement professionals."

The MSO Administrative Office and Inner Perimeter Security (IPS) Unit field calls weekly from residents targeted by scammers claiming to be members of the MSO and other law enforcement agencies.

"Please remember that no legitimate law enforcement agencies will contact you this way," officials said.

Other scams the office has seen are people posing as the IRS, road toll scams and various bank scams.

But there are tricks to avoiding these scams but knowing the signs, such as:

• Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails from people, especially if they request private information, like your social security number or bank account information.
• Requests to send payment using unusual methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
• High-pressure scenarios where you are encouraged to send payment as soon as possible.
• Spelling errors in emails and text messages.

Residents who receive scam calls in which individuals falsely identify themselves as MSO deputies or officers can contact the MSO at (978) 667-1711 and ask to speak with the Inner Perimeter Security Unit.