For Immediate Release

Monday, April 25, 2016

Contact: Captain Richard Flynn, PIO
Office: 781-316-3907
Cell: 781-844-1224
Email: [email protected]

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Arlington Police Provide Seniors With Scam Warning Cards

ARLINGTON — Chief Frederick Ryan reports that the Arlington Police Department has partnered with the Arlington Elder Abuse Task Force to create STOP! cards for senior citizens, warning them of common money transfer scams.

In an effort to prevent senior citizens from falling victim to scammers, the Arlington Police and Arlington Elder Abuse Task Force have created cards warning senior citizens of common scams and reminding them not to wire money to people they don’t know.

These STOP! cards will be distributed with the Meals on Wheels program and at banks and other retailers where residents can obtain money orders or wire transfers.

Common scams that target senior citizens include:

• IRS Impostors: Callers contact you demanding immediate payment for back taxes.
• Arrested Relative: Scammers contact you claiming that a friend or relative has been arrested and needs bail money.
• Sweepstakes: Someone calls to notify you that you have won a contest or sweepstakes and must send money to collect any winnings.
• Tech Support: Someone contacts you claiming your computer needs repairs and to send money for service.

“Unfortunately, there are people out there who prey on some of our most trusting citizens through scams like these,” Chief Ryan said. “Our hope is that by making our seniors aware of some of the most common scams that we’ve seen, we can prevent them from becoming a victim and losing money to these crimes.”

If you are ever unsure about a potential scam, contact the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212.

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