Police

Suffolk County police warn of new telephone scam

While most people would never say no to helping out a family member in need, sometimes they might want to think twice.

The Suffolk County Police Department is warning residents of a telephone scam where people are tricked into wiring money, thinking a family member is in trouble.

The caller attempts to pressure the victim into sending money without verifying the family member’s whereabouts, police said.

Some of the scenarios involved a caller claiming a family member had been arrested and needed money for bail, or claiming a family member owes someone money. The victims were asked to withdraw money and sent to an institution where they can wire money, according to a press release.

If you receive a call from someone claiming they know a family member in trouble and ask you to wire money, the Suffolk County Police Department advises you to verify the threatened relative’s whereabouts yourself, and not to give out any personal information during the call, police said.

If someone receives such a call, they are asked to call the Suffolk County Police Department at (631) 852-6000.