SCAM ALERT

Suspects are pretending to be Brookline Police Officers to steal money. The scammer in this call claims to have important documents for the victim and offers a phone number for them to call. When the victim calls, they’re instructed to send money via cryptocurrency or they’ll go to jail.
What makes this scam even more believable is the scammers will change the caller ID to appear as if it came from a legitimate Brookline police number. This is often referred to as caller ID spoofing.
If you ever receive a call like this, first confirm what police department they’re calling from and what their name is. Next, inform the person you’ll call the main dispatch number of that police department and if they are who they claim to be, the call taker will put them in touch. This will usually render the scammer stymied and the scam attempt will be over.
Remember, a police department will never solicit money over the phone or otherwise. If you have any question about the legitimacy of a call from law enforcement or other government official, you can always confirm who they are by calling the agency's main phone number. And again, never give personal information to anyone over the phone.
With these simple tips, you can protect yourself from becoming a scam victim.

[@MicheleEllis-wv9gs]

Thank you.

[@suedenim9208]

How can people be fooled by this? When the cops want to steal your money they'll just take it in person and claim they think it's from some totally unproven illegal activity.

[@alwelle3902]

The targets are people from other countries (where police and government corruption is very open and even expected) and the elderly.
Sad. Even more sad that often they rack up a bunch of victims and rarely are caught and fully punished.

[@brucestiles6477]

In what universe does any government agency require a payment be made in cryptocurrency?

[@donotneed2250]

Law enforcement, IRS, Courts will not call you to tell you there is some kind of issue.
If there is a warrant law enforcement will come and get you.
If there is a tax issue the IRS will send you a letter by way of the USPS and you'll most likely have to sign for it.
Courts will not call you saying you missed jury duty. You will get a card in the mail telling you when you have to report, etc.
Stop answering the phone just because it rings. Look and see who's calling first and THINK before you decide to answer.