ROWLEY — Chief Scott A. Dumas reports that Rowley Police are actively investigating as multiple Town Hall phone numbers appear to have been co-opted for scams.
Town officials first became aware of an issue with the Selectmen’s phone line, 978-948-2372, last week. Reportedly, a San Diego man had received a call from the number, and was left a voicemail falsely stating that he had been named in a lawsuit in the county of Rowley New Mexico and there were a group of officers suing him.
On Monday, Town Administrator Deborah Eagan’s phone line, 978-948-2705, began receiving calls from people stating they had received calls from Town Hall when no such calls had gone out.
Residents can still contact the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator at both of the above numbers, but are advised to let any incoming calls from those numbers go to voicemail for the time being and report any suspicious voicemails from a Town Hall number to the Rowley Police Department promptly.
The Rowley Police Department also wishes to remind the public of the following scam prevention and safety tips from the Federal Trade Commission:
- Do not share personal, identifying information like your Social Security Number, account numbers, or your mother’s maiden name.
- If a caller claims to represent an organization and you are doubtful, hang up and contact that agency to verify whether the call was truly from a representative.
- Never pay a caller with a gift card.
- Be wary of callers who talk quickly and pressure you to make a decision quickly.
- Get all information in writing before making a purchase.
- Do not send cash by messenger, overnight mail, or money transfer. If you pay for a product or service with cash or a money transfer, you run the risk of losing the right to dispute fraudulent charges.
- The Rowley Police Department also reminds the community: Scammers often pose as a legitimate organization, but use threats or intimidation to obtain a quick payment. No legitimate organization, including the Town of Rowley, would ever do this. If this happens, promptly hang up and report it to the Rowley Police Department.
- Past due notices from the Town of Rowley are always sent through mail.
- If something seems suspicious or you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam, call the Rowley Police Department promptly.
Rowley Police ask anyone with information about the situation to come forward, and contact the Rowley Police Department at 978-948-7644.
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