By Marianne Salza
East Boston Police District A-7 expressed its concern about the recent prevalence of scams during the Orient Heights Neighborhood Council (OHNC) Monthly Meeting on April 14 at the Ashley Street YMCA.
“If I haven’t said it a thousand times, I will probably have to say it a thousand more times: scams are running rampant,” stressed Officer Mosely, who updated the community with several examples.
On March 21, an individual walked into the police station to report a phone call that she received from someone claiming to be from National Grid. The man on the phone insisted that he was going to help her pay her gas bills. He sent her a confirmation number claiming that he intended to pay half of her total $495 bill. The suspect did not inform her that she would need to send him $250 for her half. She was told that she would need to share her personal information with him, and that she would receive $4,000, but first must pay $498 in taxes.
When the victim confronted the suspect about stealing her money, he did not return her call. That is when she realized that she was scammed out of $748. All of the payments were made via her phone using her Bank of American debit card.
Another scam was reported by a citizen walking into the station. She told officers that she had had received a phone call from an unknown number. The suspects impersonated real Boston Police Department law enforcement. The supposed “sergeant” and “captain” insisted that the woman needed to secure a bond and visit the police department to verify her signature for a subpoena that she allegedly signed.
“The victim notified that the suspect appeared to possess what they thought was extensive legal knowledge after she arrived at the Bitcoin machine,” said Officer Mosely about the woman who was scammed out of $800.
Sergeant Cintolo described a text message scam that he received that day, notifying him about his unpaid toll balance that needed to be settled within two days.
“They say in only two days so you don’t have time to check. Delete them the second they come in,” urged Sergeant Cintolo. “They send out thousands of scams. If they can get two to three people, they win.”
Captain Bickerton described a scam involving his mother, who believed her Amazon account had been hacked. The suspects were keeping her on a phone call, claiming that she had to acquire a Green Dot reloadable debit card.
“It raises the hair on the back of your neck,” said Captain Bickerton, who assured residents that no organization will ask for payment over a text message. “They’ll tell you that you can’t get off the phone, and need to act now. Don’t answer the call. Don’t hit ‘reply’ because once you do they know they have you on the hook.”
Captain Bickerton stressed the importance of getting the word out about frauds. The Boston Police Department shared that they visit senior centers and community meetings to raise awareness about recognizing these scams, which often effect the senior population.
Sergeant Cintolo shared his certainty that his mother does not read social media posts warning about frauds.
“It’s on us to get out to them,” expressed Sergeant Cintolo.