NEW LONDON, WI- The New London Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies are warning residents about a series of scams in which victims have lost anywhere from $10,000 to more than $100,000.
According to a post on the New London Police Department’s Facebook page, there are several variations of these scams. In one scenario, the suspect contacts the victim claiming there is a virus on their computer. They then convince the victim to download a remote viewer program like “TeamViewer” so the scammer can access the victim’s bank accounts. The scammer may then view the victim’s financial details and even transfer money between accounts.
Other common tactics include posing as a bank representative, claiming the victim has won a large sum of money but must pay fees to claim it, or impersonating a technician offering to fix a computer problem. Some scammers even pretend to be federal law enforcement officers.
Here’s how the scams typically unfold:
The victim receives a call regarding a supposed fraudulent charge, bank issue, or computer problem. The scammer, claiming to be from the bank, a computer service, or law enforcement, tells the victim to withdraw a large sum of money, often $10,000 or more. The scammer then arranges for an “official” to meet the victim at their home to collect the money. The victim is provided with a “password” that the person picking up the money will use to verify their identity. The scammer may also instruct the victim to wrap the money in a certain way and ship it via UPS.
After the first transaction, the scammer continues to pressure the victim for more money, often contacting them the next day with instructions to withdraw another large sum. This cycle can continue until the victim has no more money to give.
New London Police Chief Jeffrey Schlueter urges residents to be cautious: “If you experience any of these situations, or something similar, please do not give them money or agree to meet them in person. Once the money is gone, it is extremely difficult to recover it. If you’re unsure whether a situation is a scam, contact the police department or visit your bank directly. Never provide personal information over the phone, and avoid sharing copies of your driver’s license, passport, or bank details with anyone who calls.”
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