The New Bedford Police Department is reminding residents to stay alert for an ongoing phone scam targeting members of our community.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer, deputy sheriff, or other law enforcement official who says you must pay money immediately to avoid arrest or prevent officers from coming to your home, it is a scam.
Remember: Law enforcement agencies will never:
• Call you and demand payment over the phone.
• Instruct you to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.
• Threaten immediate arrest if you do not send money during the call.
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and may even “spoof” their phone number to make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate police department or sheriff’s office. Never rely on caller ID alone to verify a caller’s identity.
If you receive one of these calls:
✅ Hang up immediately.
✅ Do not provide personal or financial information.
✅ Do not send any money.
✅ If you’re unsure whether the call is legitimate, contact the law enforcement agency directly using the phone number listed on its official website—not the number that called you.
Please help protect your family, friends, and neighbors by sharing this information, especially with older adults, who are frequently targeted by these scams.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, contact your local police department immediately.
