On February 16 Connecticut State Police Troop K in Colchester were contacted by an East Haddam resident, reporting that they had been the victim of a phone/bail scam.
According to the complainant, they had received a phone call earlier that same day indicating that a family member was in custody as a result of their involvement in a motor vehicle accident.
The complainant further explained that they were informed that a bail-bondsman would contact them by phone and arrange to pick up cash in the amount required for their family member’s “bond” at the complainant’s residence.
Person of interest in CT State Police bail scam investigation
The complainant received a second phone call, during which the amount of cash that would be required was discussed. The scammer explained to the complainant that someone would arrive at their residence to pick up the cash, in person.
According to the complainant, approximately one hour later, an individual arrived at the complainant’s residence to pick up the cash.
During their interactions at the residence, the complainant obtained a photo of the individual, described as a Black male, with short hair, approximately 6’3” tall, estimated to be in his late twenties, carrying a black backpack.
Shortly after the individual departed with the cash, the complainant contacted the family member who had allegedly been taken into custody and the complainant learned they had been the victim of a bail scam.
This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Connecticut State Police Troop K in Colchester at (860)465-5400.
Additionally, Troop C in Tolland received reports of two phone/bail scam incidents occurring in the town of Somers on Feb 15 and Feb 16 involving a similarly described male.
Both incidents involved a phone call received by the victims suggesting that a family member was in custody and that bond money was needed. Both victims withdrew the amount of cash required for their family member’s “bond” from their respective banking institutions. Arrangements were made by phone for an individual involved in the scam to travel to the victims’ residences to pick up the money, in person. These incidents remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Connecticut State Police Troop C in Tolland at (860) 896-3200.
Scams such as these can happen to anyone, but often target senior citizens.
If you receive a phone call from an unfamiliar person who is telling you that a relative is in custody, take steps to contact that relative directly and/or other members of their immediate family who can help you determine if you are being targeted by scammers.
If you have been instructed to not speak with anyone about a transfer of cash or other items of monetary value, consider it to be a warning sign that this may NOT be a legitimate, legal request.
Never give out your banking information, credit card numbers, your social security number, medical insurance information, or other personal identifying information without first confirming that the request is legitimate. This can be done by making a direct call to the official telephone number of the banking institution, medical provider or government agency to confirm that they are the true source of the request.
Legitimate government agencies will not request that fees, fines or bail bonds be paid with gift cards, cryptocurrency (e.g. Bitcoin), through an ATM machine, or by wire-transfer.
A loss of thousands of dollars can be devastating for members of the community with limited resources. If you have loved ones at risk of being targeted, please emphasize to them the importance of confirming requests for money or personal information with banks and/or government agencies to reduce the risk of them being victimized by scammers.
Please contact law enforcement as soon as possible if you discover that you have become the victim of a scam.