SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Police are warning residents about a phone scam in which callers falsely claim to be members of the South Kingstown Police Department.
The scammers demand that recipients purchase gift cards and threaten that failure to comply will result in an arrest warrant for missed jury duty, according to police.
Authorities say no law enforcement agency will ever demand money over the phone, request payment using gift cards or prepaid cards, or threaten arrest to collect fines or fees.
Police warn that caller ID information can be “spoofed,” making calls appear to come from the police department even when they do not.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to contact the South Kingstown Police Department directly at 401-783-3321 or email [email protected] to verify whether a call is legitimate.
