FAIRFIELD, CT — Amid a recent increase in telephone scams, Fairfield police are sharing tips with residents on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Telephone scams may come through phone calls from real people, robocalls or text messages, according to police. Typically, scammers try to steal money or personal information.
“In an effort to prevent vulnerable residents from falling victim to telephone scams, we would like to share some tips on how to recognize scams and next steps for if you’ve been targeted by a scammer,” Chief Robert Kalamaras said in a news release.
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According to the police department news release, the Federal Trade Commission provides the following tips and information regarding phone scams:
How to recognize a phone scam
- There is no prize: In some instances, scammers will call saying that you were selected for an offer or won the lottery and then request money before they send you the “prize.” Individuals should note that if you have to pay to get the prize then there is no prize and it’s a scam.
- You won’t be arrested: Law enforcement or a federal agency will never call to tell you that you’ll be arrested, fined or deported if you don’t pay taxes or some other debt right away. If you receive a call similar to this, it’s a scam to scare you into paying.
- Government agencies won’t call to confirm your sensitive information: A legitimate organization won’t unexpectedly ask for private…
