The New Canaan Police Department is urging residents to be aware of a new scam that revolves around threatening phone calls.
In it, callers use the real name of a NCPD officer, threatening that the resident will be arrested on an active warrant if he or she doesn’t provide a Social Security number to verify their identity, according to police.
“The New Canaan Police would never call citizens asking for social security numbers,” the department said in a bulletin. “We advise anyone receiving these phone calls to hang up immediately and ignore any threats or request for social security information or money in the form of gift cards.”
The bulletin added, “Be alert to scams and don’t be a victim.”
Those uncertain of the legitimacy of the phone are encouraged to contact the New Canaan Police at 203-594-3500 and request confirmation if an officer made such a telephone call.