(WTNH) — Local police departments often receive reports of internet or telephone scams where people are tricked into paying strangers large amounts of money.
More recently, Greenwich Police were alerted to a new scam. Crooks obtain kids’ cell phone numbers from social media profiles.
The scammer calls the child and says the child’s parent has been in a car accident. The scammer then asks the child for personal information, such as the parent’s name and place of work. The scammer puts the child on hold while he or she calls the parent at work. The scammer tells the parent that the child has been kidnapped and then demands ransom money.
As proof, the scammer can switch the line to where the child is on hold and the parent is able to hear the child’s voice.
Many kids are on to scammers, however, and are especially careful with their phones.
“I usually just don’t answer if it’s not from my area. If it’s from California I’m obviously not going to answer it,” said Ryan Kennelly, a middle school student.
Experts say that’s smart. They recommend declining calls from people you don’t know. If the call is important, the caller will leave a message.
Getting kids’ cell phone numbers in the first place is sometimes as easy as going on social media. Some kids post contact information on their profiles, though many have been warned not to.
“We do a lot of assemblies about social media and how to stay safe,” said middle school student Alex Gilbride.
Even some adults post contact information on social media. Lora Rae Anderson with the Department of Consumer Protection says that’s not a good idea – even if you want people you know to be able to contact you.
“If someone wants to get in touch with you through Facebook, they’re going to message you through Facebook,” said Anderson. “Kids shouldn’t put their phone numbers out. Kids shouldn’t put their personal emails out.”
Anderson says scams like this one are a way to scare families into giving up personal information and money. Even frightening calls can be a red flag if they come from a stranger, however.
“Whenever someone tells you that something tragic is happening or something really serious is happening and you don’t really know that person, that’s something that’s a sign of a scam,” Anderson said.
In order to stay safe and avoid being a victim of a scam, you can:
- Keep social media profiles private
- Do not put phone numbers or other personal information in social media profiles
- Do not allow strangers to friend/follow/view your social media profile
- Only visit websites you know are safe
- Do not click on strange links
- Report any concerns to a trusted adult as soon as possible
If you receive a call or message from a stranger:
- DO NOT give out any personal information
- Hang up
- Report it to a trusted adult immediately
- DO NOT send money to the caller
Clues it might be a scam:
- The caller tries to scare you (they say there was an accident or emergency)
- The caller asks for personal information about you or your family
- The caller demands money or threatens you in some way
- The caller tells you not to call police or talk to anyone
If you were the victim of a scam, you should report it to your local police department.
