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The following was submitted by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office:
The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and Medford Police Department are warning residents to be alert for law enforcement impersonation scams.
Law enforcement – or government – impersonation scams continue to be widespread across Middlesex County and beyond. On Monday evening, one Medford resident reported losing $7,500 after receiving a call and text from a scammer falsely posing as a member as the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.
In Monday’s scam, the perpetrators indicated the local resident had a warrant out for their arrest for failure to appear for jury duty. Lending additional credibility to the scam, the perpetrator allegedly texted the victim a copy of a warrant, before directing the victim to pay a fine via bitcoin.
“These government impersonation scams are insidious,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “These perpetrators are using the fear of arrest to convince residents to pay thousands of dollars to avoid incarceration. That’s why it’s imperative we continue efforts alongside our law enforcement partners, councils on aging and others to spread the word about these scams.”
"Billions of dollars are lost every year, and unfortunately, scammers often prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our community," said Medford Police Chief Jack Buckley. "We have a responsibility to continue educating our residents and reminding them that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand payment over the phone. If something doesn't feel right, hang up and call the agency directly."
The MSO and MPD advise residents:
- Law enforcement will never threaten arrest or demand payment of a fine or fee over the phone.
- No Massachusetts governmental agency or office accepts bitcoin, cryptocurrency or gold as payment for an outstanding fine or fee.
- If they receive such a call to get off the phone immediately and call the main line to the department the caller claims to be from. Remain on the line and confirm whether a warrant does exist and, if so, how to resolve it.
Earlier this year, Sheriff Koutoujian joined the National Sheriff’s Association public service awareness (PSA) campaign to spread the word about fraud and scams. That PSA can be found here.
