In a concerted effort to combat fraudulent activities, the Wilmington Police Department has issued a public service announcement cautioning residents about a rise in phone scams. The department’s communiqué highlighted a specific scheme where individuals receive calls from impostors posing as law enforcement officers.
According to the announcement, these fraudulent callers coerce or intimidate their targets into believing that they must immediately settle outstanding warrants or other legal issues by transferring funds. The scammers have been known to request payments in various forms, notably including gift cards and cryptocurrency, exploiting the anonymity and irreversibility these payment methods offer.
The Wilmington Police Department firmly asserts that it is not standard protocol for any police department to request or demand money from individuals, especially not for warrant resolution or clearing of legal issues. This modus operandi is a red flag for illicit activity.
The department further clarifies that the only proper and recognized way to address warrants is through a direct appearance at the issuing agency or the corresponding court. This process is in place to ensure that matters are handled in a lawful and transparent manner, providing individuals with the appropriate legal protections and due process.
To provide assistance and prevent residents from falling victim to these scams, the Wilmington Police Department has encouraged anyone who receives a suspicious or questionable call to immediately reach out to the police. The department has made available a dedicated phone number, (302) 654-5151, for individuals to verify the legitimacy of any communication that claims to be from law enforcement.
The Wilmington Police Department’s advisory is part of a broader effort by regional law enforcement agencies to raise awareness about the increase in scam calls and to educate the public on how to respond to potential scams. By staying informed and cautious, residents can protect themselves from becoming victims of these predatory practices. The police also encourage sharing this information with vulnerable individuals who may be at a higher risk of falling prey to such schemes.
To combat fraudulent activities, the Wilmington Police Department has issued a public service announcement cautioning residents about a rise in phone scams. The department highlighted a specific scheme where individuals receive calls from impostors posing as law enforcement officers.
According to the announcement, these fraudulent callers coerce or intimidate their targets into believing that they must immediately settle outstanding warrants or other legal issues by transferring funds. The scammers have been known to request payments in various forms, notably including gift cards and cryptocurrency, exploiting the anonymity and irreversibility these payment methods offer.
The Wilmington Police Department said that it is not standard protocol for any police department to request or demand money from individuals, especially not for warrant resolution or clearing of legal issues.
The department further clarified that the only proper and recognized way to address warrants is through a direct appearance at the issuing agency or the corresponding court.
To provide assistance and prevent residents from falling victim to these scams, the Wilmington Police Department has encouraged anyone who receives a suspicious or questionable call to immediately reach out to the police. The department has made available a dedicated phone number, (302) 654-5151, for individuals to verify the legitimacy of any communication that claims to be from law enforcement.
The Wilmington Police Department’s advisory is part of a broader effort by regional law enforcement agencies to raise awareness about the increase in scam calls and to educate the public on how to respond to potential scams.