NORWICH, Connecticut — Norwich police said Wednesday that someone has been spoofing their number in what is likely an attempt to scam citizens.
Police said they have become aware of two telephone scams in which the Norwich Police Department routine phone number is being spoofed.
"The first scam appears to be targeting dentist offices and telling dentists that they had recently been subpoenaed and as a result of the missed subpoena the individual owed money in court fines," the department said in a release. "The individual warns the dentist if they do not pay the fine immediately over the phone, they are subject to arrest."
Police went on to say the department does not issue subpoenas, does not issue fines associated with subpoenas, and will never threaten individuals with arrest for unpaid fines.
The second scam appears to be an automated “Public Service Announcement” message, but no other information is relayed. Numerous private citizens and public businesses have called the police saying they were returning phone messages left by the police department.
The only automated message the public will receive from the Norwich Police Department will be through the Everbridge system, which is a critical event management platform that informs the public of public safety or natural disaster events.
"The Norwich Police Department will never ask for personal information, request payment for services rendered, or solicit monetary donations over the phone.," it reiterated.
Doug Stewart is a Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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