“HOMELAND SECURITY” SCAMS SURGE IN DELAWARE
DELAWARE — All across Delaware, law enforcement is actively alerting residents about an alarming surge in scam calls and emails. The New Castle County Police have reported an increase in incidents where callers impersonate police officers, even going as far as claiming they are Chief of Police Colonel Joseph Bloch. These scammers falsely claim that their victims owe fines, have outstanding warrants, or are under investigation by “Homeland Security.” Authorities warn the public that these claims are entirely fraudulent and do not reflect how legal matters are conducted. The “Homeland Security” scams are currently under investigation.
In addition, the Delaware State Police have issued a warning about a new scam aimed at homebuyers. The scammers are sending fraudulent emails that appear to be from legitimate settlement companies, requesting wire transfers just before closing dates. Officials are advising consumers to double-check the sender’s email address and to refrain from clicking on any links in these messages. Delawareans should report any suspicious activity to both the actual settlement company and local law enforcement immediately due to the risk of homeland security scams.
Some Red Flags to be on the Lookout for Include:
- Unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment or personal information
- Threats of arrest or legal action for unpaid fines or warrants
- Requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
How to Protect Yourself Against Scams:
- Verify the caller by hanging up and contacting your local police department using a trusted phone number
- Never share personal information over the phone
- Report any suspicious calls to local authorities
For more recent local news, watch the August 27th DETV News Brief.
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