10/13/2026
STAFFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT INFORMATION RELEASE
SCAM ALERT: STOP AND VERIFY BEFORE SENDING MONEY!!!
The Stafford Police Department reminds all residents: NEVER send money to an unknown person. Scammers can sound convincing and may contact you by telephone, text message, email, or social media.
These criminals frequently target elderly people, using fear, confusion, urgency, or promises of financial rewards to steal their money.
Once money is sent—especially through cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—the chances of recovery can be slim to none.
Common tactics scammers use include:
● Pretending to be law enforcement or a government agency, threatening arrest or legal action unless you pay immediately.
● Claiming a grandchild or other loved one is in trouble and needs money for bail, medical care, or an emergency.
● Impersonating your bank, telling you to move money to a “safe account” to protect it.
● Claiming you won a prize or lottery, but must first pay taxes, fees, or processing charges.
● Demanding payment through gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, cryptocurrency, or cash deliveries.
● Threatening to disconnect utilities unless you make an immediate payment.
● Posing as technical support, claiming your computer has been compromised and requesting payment or remote access.
● Building trust through online friendships or romantic relationships, then asking for money.
● Pressuring you to act immediately or keep the conversation secret, including telling you not to contact family, your bank, or police.
● Using fake caller identification, official-looking documents, or familiar names to appear legitimate.
Always ask for identifying information and a callback number, then independently verify the person and their claims. Ask for their full name, organization, and reason for contacting you. A name or callback number alone does not prove the request is legitimate.
Hang up and contact the organization using a verified number from its official website, your bank statement, or another trusted source. Do not rely on the number supplied by the caller or displayed on caller ID. If someone claims to be a loved one, call that person or another family member using a number you already know.
Never share banking information, passwords, Social Security numbers, or verification codes with an unknown person. Take time to speak with a trusted family member or friend before sending money.
If you have already sent money, immediately contact your bank or payment provider and report the incident to law enforcement. Save messages, phone numbers, receipts, and transaction details.
If questionable, contact local law enforcement BEFORE taking any action.
CHIEF CARL WETTSTEIN