SHARE

Connecticut State Police Warn of Rise In Phone Scams

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Residents should be aware that phone scams appear to be on the rise and are warning residents not to fall prey to the scammers, according to the Connecticut State Police. 

The Connecticut State Police are warning residents that phone scams are on the rise and to not fall prey to the scammers by providing private identification numbers.

The Connecticut State Police are warning residents that phone scams are on the rise and to not fall prey to the scammers by providing private identification numbers.

Photo Credit: File

Police report that dispatchers and troopers from around the state have been contacted by residents regarding unusual phone calls they have received. The phone calls are from people claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), cable company or banks. 

State Police remind residents that the rule remains the same: Never, and they mean never, provide critical private information over the phone. Officials from the IRS, banks and other agencies will only contact residents in writing if any information is needed. 

Bank account numbers, Social Security numbers and other identification numbers should be kept completely private, police added.

Some of the callers claiming to be from the IRS tell the residents that the IRS is applying for an arrest warrant for the individual unless they pay thousands of dollars. Another call received claimed to be from a company offering installation of free solar panels. When the resident agreed to this, the caller claimed to need the resident’s Social Security number and bank account numbers. 

Yet another caller claimed to be from a cable company, offering half-price premium cable service if the person arranged for a pre-paid credit card. In addition, a resident received a call from an alleged mortgage company asking the person to refinance their mortgage and asking the person to verify banking account numbers. 

Police said that residents should hang up on these types of callers and report them to the state police or local law enforcement officials. 

to follow Daily Voice Greenwich and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE