Police Warn Norwalk Residents Of Widespread Phone Scam

NORWALK, Conn. -- The Norwalk Police Department is warning residents to be alert to a phone scam attempting to swindle potential victims out of money by claiming a family member is in danger.

Norwalk Police are warning residents about a new phone scam targeting the area.
Photo Credit: *File*

Joe Jenkins

03/03/2014 10:30 a.m.

An unknown caller will call a resident and say a family member has been in an accident and will be held hostage until the resident wires them money through Stop & Shop or Western Union. The suspect caller has been predominantly described as a Hispanic male or male with an accent.

Residents are reminded to:

Never wire money to unknown subjects without first verifying information that they receive.
Always check the information separately from the information that was provided by the caller. Try contacting the family member, call others and ask, or contact the police and ask.
Avoid lengthy conversations with the unknown caller. Hang up and contact the police.
Contact the police to advise them of the phone call before wiring any money to an unknown person and request assistance.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.