For Immediate Release

Friday, July 1, 2016

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

Rockport Police Alert Community of Telephone Scam

ROCKPORT — Chief John Horvath reports that the Rockport Police Department has received a complaint regarding a telephone scam and is reminding residents to never give out their personal and financial information to a person they do not know.

According to police, callers represent themselves as Microsoft employees and tell victims that their computer is not operating properly. Scammers then receive wireless access to the victim’s computer, advising them to sign up for a service to avoid any future problems.

The victim then wires money for the service, which they never receive, and continues to wire money to the scammers, who contact the victim for additional money several times a day.

“If a stranger calls you on the phone, emails you or visits your home and insists that you give them money or asks for private information, do not take immediate action,” Chief Horvath said. “Wait 24 hours and consult with a friend, attorney or police to ensure the person contacting you is not part of a scam. Always report any suspicious calls to police.”

Rockport Police report that in one case, callers provided a victim with the following names: John Atkins, Brad Williams, Will Smith and David Hunt. Money has been wired to China to the following names: Huile Zhang, Yang Haiyan, Zhi Chen, An Lu, and Hanke Wei.

If you get a call from someone claiming to be with Microsoft, and you need help with your computer, hang up and call Microsoft Technical Support at 877-696-7786. Microsoft will help you with any issue you may have.

If you are ever unsure about a potential scam, contact the Rockport Police Department at 978-546-1212.

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