The Derby Police Department received two complaints from concerned citizens regarding a potential phone scam.
The first caller stated his daughter (who is in North Carolina) received a call from 475 – 243-0174 and that a man who identified himself as a Derby Police Officer was asking for donations to the police department.
The second caller stated he received a call from 475 – 243-0045 and a man who said he “was with the police department” was also asking for donations. A brief investigation revealed that both were scam phone calls.
Citizens should be aware of any calls from a 475 area code (which is actually a CT area code) or anyone soliciting funds on behalf of the Derby Police Department as we are NOT currently involved in any such campaigns.
Other area police departments are reporting similar scams wherein they will allege that a named family member has been kidnapped, injured, or arrested and needs bail money.
If you receive any calls or are unsure about a potential scam please do NOT give out personal, financial, or banking information. If the call is about a family member or acquaintance, attempt to contact him/her directly.
Always document as much as you can about the call and then contact your local police department to report the incident.
