Police on Long Island said "residents are being financially targeted by individuals who are making false statements on the phone. Callers attempt to manipulate recipients into sending them money by pretending to be legitimate entities.”
According to police, examples of phone scams include kidnapped or arrested family members; government agencies; utility companies or potential prize winners. Investigators noted that legitimate agencies or companies will never ask one to send money through gift cards; iTunes cards; Green Dot MoneyPak; MoneyGram or Western Union.
Anyone who believes they received a similar call has been instructed to hang up immediately and call 911.
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