Scam Alert: Callers Spoofing With Bucks Co. Police's Number

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Police in Bucks County are warning residents not to fall for a scam after one local department's number was used by spoofers.

According to Newtown Township police, a resident told police on Dec. 13 that she was contacted by a person who said they were affiliated with "Federal Law Enforcement." The caller sought payments totaling more than $14,000.

The scammer threatened that the local resident would be arrested if they did not make such payments in the form of gift cards.

The scammer then told the victim they would receive a phone call from the Newtown Township Police to "confirm their legitimacy."

Shortly after, the victim received a call from 215-579-1000, which is the local police department's number. The caller from that line further coerced the victim to provide the payments, police said.

"We are urging our community to be aware of this scam, especially since the Newtown Township Police Department's telephone number (215-579-1000) is being used for caller ID spoofing. The Newtown Township Police Department will not contact anyone to solicit payments, in exchange for rectifying situations related to any alleged criminal charges," police said in a statement.

Anyone who receives similar calls or is victimized by this scam should contact the local authorities.