The Newport Police Department is alerting residents to an ongoing phone scam where callers impersonate police officers and demand payment to cancel fake warrants.
In a press release issued Nov. 27, the department said it has received additional reports of the scam since its initial warning on Nov. 22.
The scammers identify themselves as Newport Police sergeants, lieutenants, constables or deputies, often using actual names of officers familiar to residents.
Callers claim to have “legal documents” that need signing and frequently reference a sexual assault case with a failure to appear warrant issued. To cancel the supposed warrant, victims are instructed to purchase gift cards or Bitcoin and provide the codes over the phone.
“Please keep in mind, at no time would the Newport Police Department, City of Newport or any other Law Enforcement or Government Agency request personal information over the phone or have someone purchase a gift card, Bit Coin or any other form of payment,” the department stated.
The scammers are using a technique called “spoofing” to make their caller ID appear to be coming from the Newport Police Department. One of the spoofed numbers is 401-847-1306, which is listed online as belonging to the department.
Police emphasize that Newport does not employ deputies or constables.
Residents who receive these calls are urged to hang up immediately and report the incident by calling 401-847-1306. A Newport Police employee will answer and take a report.
The department’s warning highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods scammers use to target victims. By impersonating real officers and manipulating caller ID, the criminals attempt to lend credibility to their fraudulent demands.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have reported similar scams in recent years, with imposters posing as police, court officials or other government representatives to extort money from unsuspecting individuals.
These schemes often prey on people’s fear of legal consequences and their trust in authority figures. The use of gift cards and cryptocurrency as requested payment methods is a common tactic, as these transactions are difficult to trace or reverse.
The Newport Police Department’s alert serves as a reminder for residents to be vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited phone calls, especially those demanding immediate payment or personal information.
Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not conduct business in this manner, and warrants cannot be resolved through phone calls or payments.
Residents are encouraged to verify the identity of callers by contacting their local police department directly using a known, official number – not one provided by the caller.
