There continues to be ongoing telephone scams that have targeted victims from all walks of life throughout the United States, including the Town of Greenburgh. Residents are asked to beware of the following scams:
“Grandchild in Jail”
In this scam, the caller will claim to be a friend or relative that got into trouble or was involved in an accident in another country (often Mexico, Canada or one of the Caribbean Islands) and needs money to get out of jail. In some cases the scammer will tell the victim they are a police officer and their child/grandchild has been arrested and needs to have money sent to them for bail. The scammer will require that a Green Dot Card Money Card be purchased at a local pharmacy chain or Home Depot store and the card number must be provided to the caller. Victims have also been required to send money via Western Union MoneyGram.
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"IRS Tax Warrant"
The caller will claim to be an agent or police officer from the Internal Revenue Service calling about a past due tax balance that is owed. The caller will tell the victim that unless the debt is paid immediately, they will send a team of officers to the victim’s home to immediately arrest them. The scammer will also request that the “IRS Tax Warrant” be paid with a Green Dot Card Money Card or Western Union MoneyGram.
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"Jury Duty Warrant"
The caller will claim to be a police officer or a warrant officer from Westchester County or New York State claiming to have a warrant for the victim for failing to report for jury duty. The scammer will also claim that unless the fine is paid immediately, the police will be sent to the victim’s home to arrest them. The scammer will also request that the “Jury Duty Warrant” be paid with a Green Dot Card Money Card or Western Union MoneyGram.
“Delinquent Con Edison Bill"
The caller will claim to be a representative of Con Edison. In some cases the scammer has the victim’s correct Con Edison Account Number. The scammer will then advise the resident that their Con Edison bill is past due and must be paid immediately to avoid termination of service. The scammer will also request that the “Delinquent Con Edison Bill” be paid with a Green Dot Card Money Card or Western Union MoneyGram.
Investigation has determined that the suspects committing these crimes have often obtained personal information via the internet, Facebook, Instagram or other social media.
Residents are reminded that no government agency will ever demand a fine to be paid via Western Union or pre-paid debit card.
Chief Chris McNerney
