Newtown Township police are warning residents of an ongoing phone scam involving a fake officer soliciting money for missed jury duty.
The Newtown Township Police Department received multiple reports on July 25 from residents who were contacted by an individual claiming to be “Sgt. Gilmore” from their department.
According to police, the caller told residents they owed $8,000 in fines for failing to appear for jury duty.
Those who were called reported that the scammer not only knew their addresses but also made calls using the official police department phone number, 215-579-1000, due to a technique known as “caller ID spoofing,” police said.
Authorities said the police department never solicits payment over the phone for fines or fees.
“Keep in mind that the Newtown Township Police Department will not contact anyone to solicit payments over the phone for fees or fines,” police said.
If a call is received requesting personal information or money, individuals should not provide any details such as date of birth, social security number, or bank account information, police said.
The department advises anyone who suspects they are receiving a scam call to hang up immediately and contact the nonemergency number at 215-328-8524 to verify the legitimacy of the call with an officer.
