State Police warn of phone scam demanding money

Posted 2/5/19

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin M. Barry, Acting Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Acting Director of the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety, and Chief Sheriff David M. DeCesare are warning of a telephone scam demanding payment for

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State Police warn of phone scam demanding money

Posted

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin M. Barry, Acting Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Acting Director of the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety, and Chief Sheriff David M. DeCesare are warning of a telephone scam demanding payment for fictitious fines.

Several people reported receiving calls on Friday, January 25, from an individual claiming to be Sheriff DeCesare or one of the deputy sheriffs. The caller demanded payment for fines owed or for missing jury duty, stating that the person risked arrest if no fine was paid. The calls appear to come from the Division of Sheriffs, although they did not come from there.

At least one person contacted yesterday fell victim to the scam, paying $700 in pre-paid money cards, Sheriff DeCesare said. He asks that people spread the word about this scam to prevent other people from falling victim as well.

Sheriff DeCesare stressed that the Division of Sheriffs does call people to ask them to arrange for service of summonses or writs. However, they do not call people to impose nor arrange payment of fines or any other fees. In addition, the people who were called as part of this scam do not appear to have owed any fines.

Sheriff DeCesare said people should not respond to any call from individuals claiming to be deputy sheriffs seeking money. Anyone with questions about any call from his office can contact the Division of Sheriffs at 401-275-2900 to confirm whether it is legitimate.

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