The Darien Police Department would like to warn area residents about a sophisticated phone scam that is targeting victims not only in Darien, but in neighboring towns.
— an announcement from Darien Police Department
Potential victims have recently received phone calls from suspects identifying themselves using actual names of Darien police officers.
In the most recent version of this scam, the suspect informs the victim that they have missed a court appearance and must purchase gift/voucher cards or conduct wire transfers in order to pay “bond” fees. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are often threatened with arrest and the caller may become hostile and insulting.
Residents should also be warned that these scams can be so complex, that the suspects have set up legitimate sounding voicemail greeting messages in the event you hang up and call back.
If someone is identifying themselves as a “Darien police officer,” and something doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t. Our agency and other legitimate agencies will never ask you to make a money wire transfer, ask for credit card numbers, nor request pre-paid debit, gift/voucher cards for “bond” over the phone.
If this occurs to you, hang up, and the only number you should call back is 203.662.5300. This is our routine telephone number which will put you in contact with our Communications Center.