Authorities Warning Residents Of Police Officer Impersonation Scam In Delaware
WILMINGTON, Del., (CBS) -- Authorities in Delaware are advising residents of a police officer impersonation scam.
New Castle County Police say they have received reports from residents stating they have received calls from a "Sergeant Riley" and/or "Corporal Mark Ivy" from the Wilmington Police Department or the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle.
Police say the unknown suspect(s) are calling from a "302" area code. Earlier this year, suspects involved in a similar scam called from a "202" area code. Police say the suspect(s) call victims stating there is a bench warrant for their arrest. The victims are then instructed to purchase a pre-paid credit card such as NetSpend. According to police, the cards purchased by the victims are over $1,000.
New Castle County Police are asking residents to report any suspicious telephone calls from people claiming to be a law enforcement officer or agent. Police say residents should know that law enforcement officials will not request money in lieu of an arrest.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Castle County Police Department at (302) 573-2800. You can also submit a tip anonymously by going to www.NCCPD.com and follow the link for "Tips and Alerts." You will be asked for a subject line, the location the tip applies to, and your tip information. You may also attach a photograph.
Citizens may also provide text tips by texting the key word NCCPD to 847411 (TIP411) followed by your tip. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Residents with the Smartphone App are encouraged to use the "submit tip" tab to submit tips by selecting a topic using the "drop down" and complete the tip by "clicking" submit.
