Police Warn Residents About Recent Uptick In Scam Requests

SOUTHOLD, NY — Southold Town police are warning residents about an uptick in scams involving cash retrieval requests.

According to Southold Town Police Captain Steven Grattan, recently, two residents were scammed out of cash by individuals posing as service providers. In both cases, the scammer arranged for a courier to respond to the resident’s home to retrieve the money, he said.

Police sent out a warning to residents: "In recent weeks, the Southold Town Police Department has seen a concerning rise in fraudulent activities targeting residents of Southold Town."

Scammers are employing a deceptive tactic where they contact individuals by phone or online, requesting large sums of cash and arranging to pick it up directly from their homes, police said.

Police explained how the scam works: "These scammers typically pose as authority figures, service providers, or even acquaintances to gain trust. They persuade victims to withdraw significant amounts of cash, citing urgent reasons such as fines, overdue bills, computer malfunctions, or emergency needs. Once the victim has the cash ready, the scammer arranges to visit their residence to collect it."

Residents are asked to watch out for unexpected requests, police said. "Be wary of unexpected demands for cash payments, especially if they claim urgency or threaten consequences, police said.

Another warning sign, police said, are pressure tactics. "Scammers may create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly without giving you time to verify their identity or claims," police said.

Finally, home visits are a warning sign, police said. "Legitimate entities rarely insist on collecting payments in person, especially in cash, without prior notice or a verifiable reason," police said.

Residents are advised to protect themselves by always verifying the identity and legitimacy of the person making the request. Contact the organization or individual directly using trusted contact information, police said.

Also, residents should refuse cash transactions: "Avoid making cash payments or withdrawals in response to unsolicited requests, especially those demanding immediate action," police said.

Those who suspect a scam are asked to immediately report the activity immediately to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies.

"By reporting, you can help prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes," police said. "Our community's safety is paramount. Stay informed about current scams and protect yourself and your loved ones from financial exploitation. Share this information with family, friends, and neighbors to raise awareness and prevent further incidents."