State police warn residents about phone scams

MIDDLETOWN — State Police are warning residents to beware of phone scams that appear to be on the rise, according to a statement.

Dispatchers and Troopers from around the state have been contacted by concerned citizens about unusual phone calls they have received, police said.. The phone calls are from people claiming to be from the Connecticut State Police, among other agencies or organizations.

In some cases, scammers ask callers deposit a check they provide and then wire the money from that account. In other calls, scammers insist that consumers make a decision and provide private information immediately. Resist these calls by simply hanging up. Citizens need to be pro-active in minimizing the chance that they will be scammed.

State Police remind consumers to always follow this vital safety rule: Never, never, never provide critical private information over the phone. If the IRS, your bank or other agencies want to contact you, they will do so in writing. Bank account numbers, Social Security Numbers and other identification numbers should be kept completely private.

Hang up on any suspicious calls and report them by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP or visit ftc.gov/ complaint. Here’s a great website for resources regarding this issue: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0076-phonescams

As a reminder, the Connecticut State Police is a state agency that is funded solely by the state budget; we do not solicit funds over the phone.