Police Warn Residents of Possible Money Scams

NEW HARTFORD, April 8, 2010 -- The New Hartford Police Department is warning local residents to be wary for a rash of scams that involves sending money via money orders.

The scams appear to be directed mainly at elderly residents. 

The New Hartford Police have investigated several incidents over the last month in which several residents have received phone calls from persons identifying themselves as relatives on vacation or in jail overseas.  The persons will then ask for money stating that they lost their money and need funds to get home or have been arrested and need bail money.  Money is then asked to be sent electronically via money orders, Money grams or Western Union to England, and other locations in Europe. 

In another related scam, residents are contacted on the phone and told that they have just won a sweepstakes and are asked to send money via electronic money order, Money gram or Western Union to locations in the Caribbean.  Residents are asked to be wary of these calls and never send money to anyone if they are unfamiliar with them, or have not signed up for any sweepstake giveaways.  Anyone who feels they may be a victim of a money are advised to contact their local police department 

Any Questions Regarding This Release Please Contact Patrolman Justin Gehringer at NHPD – 733-6666