Crime & Safety

Guilford Police Warn of New Held-for-Hostage Phone Scam

Guilford Police are warning of a new phone scam after the department has responded calls from residents reporting a family member was being held hostage at gunpoint.

Guilford Police are warning of a new phone scam after — for the third time in less than a week — the department has responded to "a frantic call" from a resident who was reporting a family member was being held at gunpoint.

According to Guilford Police Officer Martina Jakober, each of the local victims had received a call from a male with a Spanish accent who had claimed they "had a family member of theirs in the trunk of their car and were demanding a large sum of money in return for their loved one."

"The caller threatened to shoot the relative if the money was not provided and advised not to get the police involved," Jakober stated in a press release.

Call Out of Puerto Rico

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After an investigation, police have determined that the calls are originating out of Puerto Rico.

"The suspects have a number of phones with different local numbers for each state," Jakober stated.

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According to the cell phone company, Jakober said the suspects dial numbers most of the day until someone picks up and falls for the scam. 

"Often times the victim who is called is distraught and is willing to pay the amount owed to make sure their loved one is safe," Jakober stated.

Scam Reports on the Rise

These types of incidents are increasing and reports have been filed all over the State of Connecticut. 

The cell phone company stated that they have been dealing with this type of complaint involving the same group of people in Puerto Rico for some time. 

Report Calls to the Police

If you receive a call of this nature contact your local police department to report it immediately. 

Jakober warned residents not to provide any personal information to the caller — including your name or the name of the family member they are claiming to have.

For a list of common scams please visit the website listed below to protect yourself in the future. http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud


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