Good morning, Medford, Thursday, April 16
Medford Police issued an alert about a phone scam targeting the city's residents. Here's what you need to know. Also, here's what's happening today in Medford.
Scammers are calling Medford residents and pretending to be officers. The Medford Police Department posted the following PSA to social media yesterday:
"We’ve received dozens of reports the past few weeks of residents receiving calls that appear to come from our business line numbers (781-391-6404, 6405, 6409, etc.). These calls are NOT from the Medford Police Department.
"The caller is falsely identifying themselves as a Medford police officer and telling people they have a warrant and then demanding payment. This is a scam.
"The Medford Police Department will never call and demand payment over the phone for any reason."
Police say you should hang up immediately if you receive such a call. Do not give out any personal information. Police are asking residents to pass this message on to friends, family, and neighbors, especially those who do not use social media.
There are many kinds of scams, and many of them play on your emotions to get you to give them money. We all think we will not be victims of this kind of crime, but it can happen so easily.
I have a friend who found herself at a convenience store buying hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards and reading the numbers over the phone to someone who told her one of her accounts had been blocked and this is what she needed to do.
In another scam, a family member was told he would be able to get a car if he filled out a form and mailed it with $250. But, here's the catch: the person also said he would mail the form and front the money and that my family member could pay him back. There was never a car to be had. The scammer was just looking to make a quick $250.
Spread the word, especially to people in your life who may be vulnerable. If you suspect that you've been scammed or that you were targeted by a scammer, report the incident to police.
Happening today in Medford
Outdoors at the Brooks Estate from dawn to dusk. There are 50 acres of protected open space for birding, walking, jogging and exploring. A trail map is available for download on the website.
Senior Center Activities: Spanish Class with Gabriela at 9:30 a.m. – Call 781-396-6010 to register; Core and Balance at 10:30 a.m.; Art for Everyone at 1:30 p.m.; LGBTQ+ Group at 2 p.m.
Toddler Time at 10:30 a.m. at Medford Public Library for children ages 2-3 years. Reading, singing, and gentle movement.
Drawing on Water Sharing Traditions in a Warming Cairo at 12 noon in Curtis Hall at Tufts. Residents in Cairo, Egypt, are drawing on a longstanding tradition of gifting water through charitable water fountains (sabils) to sustain the livability of everyday urban spaces.
Senior Knitting Club at 1 p.m. at West Medford Community Center. Beginners can learn from experienced crafters.
Drop-in Hours for Writing Legacy Letters from 3 to 5 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Librarians Jenna and Molly will help with all parts of the process, from brainstorming to writing assistance.
Lego Club at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Drop-n Lego time for kids ages 5+.
Beaded Bookmarks at 3:30 p.m. at Medford Public Library for teens. Materials will be provided. Registration required.
Go Mustangs! Varsity girls lacrosse team has a home game against Everett at 4:30 p.m.
YouthWorks information session at 5 p.m. via Teams.
Adaptive Craft Night for teens at 6 p.m. at Medford Public Library for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 11-22. Event includes listening to music and decorating clay magnets. Registration required.
The Sleeveens / Adult Learners / Lithophones at 7 p.m. at Deep Cuts.
Microsoft Excel Class at 7 p.m. at Medford Public Library. Part 2 of a 2-part series will look at charting, linking, embedding and working with multiple sheets. Registration required.
Live music with Phoenix Freight Company at 7 p.m. at Medford Brewing.
Caeltish performs at 8 p.m. at Mrs. Murphy's.
New Music Ensemble: Plurima at 8 p.m. in Granoff Music Center at Tufts.
Did you know?
- TreesMedford has an adopt-a-tree program? You can volunteer to take care of a newly planted tree to make sure it thrives.
- And, in that same spirit, a mini-forest is going to be installed at Tufts Park to increase Medford’s tree canopy and biodiversity. Crystal Yormick will have the story for you.
In case you missed it
Nell takes a look at what school officials will be doing to ensure that next year there is not a repeat of this year's Good Friday closure.
Nell Escobar Coakley | Staff Writer
