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Police say that on April 22, the Westport resident received a phone call from someone purporting to work for the Social Security Administration using what appeared on the caller identification as a legitimate phone number for the Social Security Administration.
The caller reportedly told the resident her social security number was being used fraudulently in another state, according to police.
The caller also knew her name and correct social security number, said police.
Minutes after ending the call, later the victim received a phone call from what appeared to be the Westport Police Department non-emergency line, 203-341-6000, according to police.
The caller identified himself as a Westport Police officer and said he was investigating the illegal use of the victim’s social security number, police said.
The victim was told her assets would be frozen and suggested transferring $10,000 to a special account so that she would have available funds during the investigation, according to Westport Police.
The victim was instructed to send the money in the form of Bitcoin, police said.
The victim sent $4,000 before she realized she had been scammed, according to police.
Westport Police say criminals are disguising their phone numbers to appear legitimate.
If you have any doubts as to the legitimacy of a call, whether the caller claims to be an employee of a utility company, the Social Security Administration, IRS, etc., Westport Police Department recommends that you hang up before providing any personal information and contact the agency/company directly.
The Westport Police Department does not establish special accounts to hold the personal funds of residents during an investigation.
If you are a Westport resident and believe you have fallen victim to this scam, please contact the police department via the non-emergency line at 203-341-6000.
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