Springfield police scheme warnings

Police across Western Massachusetts are warning of an unprecedented uptick in scam calls, some of which try to trick residents into thinking it's police that's calling them. 22 News reporter Sarah Bien-Aimé is live in studio with tips on how to avoid those scams. Kaylee, Julia, the latest warning comes from Springfield Police. They say someone is posing as one of their officers. According to Springfield Police spokesman Ryan Walsh, most of those calls are currently targeting people from Long Meadow. He says the scam involves the impersonation of a real Springfield Police sergeant and a retired sergeant. If anyone receives one, Walsh says hang up and do not call the number back. He says you do not need to call the police unless you are a victim and you have sent money. Police have provided an example of the scam call. Take a listen. And 22 News has been working for you with these warnings for weeks. The Hamden County Sheriff's Office says they've seen an unprecedented number of scam calls from police impersonating deputies out of their civil process office. These scammers are robocallers, telling victims they miss jury duty, have an outstanding warrant, or that they've been involved in a legal matter, and they're demanding immediate payments. Police say victims have been told to bring thousands of dollars in cash to the Sheriff's Office on Liberty Street in Springfield or make payment through Bitcoin. They're reminding everyone they never call or text anyone asking for payments. Working for you, Sarah Bien-Aimé, 22 News.