Arlington Police Warn Residents Of Imitation Phone Scam

ARLINGTON, MA — The police department is warning residents after receiving numerous reports of scam phone calls that appear to come from the department's non-emergency telephone number.

According to police, scammers are spoofing the department's non-emergency line in an attempt to obtain personal and financial information from residents. Officials emphasized that the Arlington Police Department will never call community members to demand payment for unpaid fines, traffic tickets, warrants, or any other financial obligation over the phone.

Residents who receive one of the calls are advised to hang up immediately and avoid providing any personal information, banking or credit card details, and other payment information. Police also warned residents not to send money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or electronic payment services.

The latest reports are the newest in a series of phone scams targeting Arlington residents over the past year. In previous incidents, scammers spoofed the department's non-emergency number while falsely claiming to be police officers or immigration authorities in an effort to convince residents to provide banking information or make payments. In another case, callers falsely told residents that packages containing illegal drugs had been delivered to their homes as part of an attempt to steal financial information.

Phone number spoofing allows scammers to manipulate caller ID information so calls appear to come from legitimate organizations. Police said residents should be skeptical of any unsolicited caller requesting personal information or immediate payment, even if the caller ID appears to display an official government or law enforcement phone number.

The department is also encouraging residents to share the warning with neighbors to help prevent others from falling victim.

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