Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents of Ongoing ‘Sophisticated’ Scams
The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of ongoing scam attempts targeting people across the MetroWest. The office said that scams are targeting residents with “sophisticated” tactics, including text messages, phone calls, emails, and online platforms.
The Sheriff’s Office said that jury duty and arrest scams have become among the most fraudulent of the scams being reported. Others include roll toll scams, IRS scams, and bank scams.
“In these scams, perpetrators claim individuals have missed jury duty or threaten arrest over the phone for failing to pay fines or fees,” officials said in a news release obtained by the Patch of Waltham. “The scammers advise individuals to make payments using unconventional methods, such as cryptocurrency or gift cards, or surrender themselves to law enforcement agencies at specific locations. In these cases, the perpetrators will often use the name of current or retired law enforcement professionals.”
The Sheriff’s Office Administrative Office and Inner Perimeter Security (IPS) Unit also reported that personnel take calls weekly from residents who have been targeted by scammers who claim to represent the Sheriff’s Office or members of other law enforcement agencies.
Follow these tips to help you avoid becoming the victim of a scam:
- Do not answer unsolicited calls, texts, or emails from people you don’t know, especially if they request private information, like your Social Security number or bank account information.
- Do not send payment using unusual methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- Do not engage in high-pressure scenarios where you are asked to send payment as soon as possible.
Residents who have received scam communications in which individuals falsely identify themselves as Middlesex Sheriff’s Office personnel can contact 978-667-1711 and ask to speak with the Inner Perimeter Security Unit.
