Watch Out For Scammers Posing As Family Faking Emergencies For Money: Tiverton Police

TIVERTON, RI — Tiverton police have urged the public to watch out for scammers using fake emergencies to steal money.

Police said there have been an alarming number of reported scams recently, and most of them have targeted elderly residents.

The scam involves someone calling a victim saying they are a family member or close friend. They say they need money to get out of trouble. Someone may also call and claim to be an attorney or someone else representing a friend or loved one.

Police said if someone calls or sends a message claiming to be a family member or a friend desperate for money, don’t trust the voice on the line — even if it sounds like a family member or friend. Here’s what to do to verify the person's identity:

• Resist the pressure to react and send money immediately. Hang up — or tell the person you’ll call them right back.
• Use a phone number you know is right to call or message the family member or friend who (supposedly) contacted you. Ask them if they’re really in trouble.
• Call someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if the caller said to keep it a secret — or sounds like a loved one.
• Call the police.

More information about scams can be found here.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.