Phone Scam Warning Issued By Police In Montgomery County

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, PA — Local police officials are issuing a warning to residents that the department has received multiple reports about a scam artist calling community members and posing as a township police officer trying to solicit financial and personal information.

The Plymouth Township Police Department this week said it took reports from numerous community members who claim to have been contacted by a scam artist trying to convince folks to fork over money, or buy gift cards, in order to satisfy their warrant or other outstanding court matters.

"THIS IS A SCAM," the department posted on Facebook. "Bail can NEVER be paid over the phone. It is only payable, in person, at the Clerk of Courts, District Court or the Montgomery County Correctional Facility."

The police agency also stressed that gifts cards to area stores would never be accepted by any agency as payment for bail, a fine or restitution.

"If you do not feel comfortable with the information being provided by someone on the phone claiming to be a Plymouth Township Police Officer, please tell the individual you will call them back at the Police Station," the department wrote on social media. "Our direct station phone number is 610-279-1901. Our dispatchers in the Police Station answer the phones 24 hours a day, and will direct you to any Officer that may legitimately be calling you."

Local police offered tips to help folks avoid becoming a victim to scammers, such as keeping all financial and personal information private, blocking all unwanted calls and text messages, and to recognize that legitimate organizations will never ask over the phone for information such as Social Security numbers, bank account information or credit card account numbers.

"Resist the pressure to act immediately," Plymouth Township Police said in their Facebook post. "Legitimate businesses will give you time to make a decision. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer."