MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester Police are warning residents about an increase in scams targeting the community.
Most scams come through phone calls, texts or emails and are designed to scare victims into sending money, police said.
Common scams include someone claiming to be from a victim’s bank asking for personal information, messages saying information will be exposed unless payment is made, and “grandparent scams” involving urgent bail money requests.
Police also warned about E-ZPass texts demanding payment, threats of legal trouble or investigations, and requests to pay for items or bills victims did not purchase.
Romance or investment scams, requests to buy gift cards and send the codes, and lottery or inheritance scams requiring upfront fees are also being reported.
Red flags include requests for cash, gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency, pressure to act immediately, being told to keep it secret or lie, being asked to click links or call unknown numbers, and requests to meet somewhere unusual.
Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment this way, police said.
Police advised residents not to click links or respond to suspicious messages, to look up official contact information themselves, and to talk to a trusted person before sending money.
Anyone who is unsure about a potential scam can contact Manchester Police at 603-668-8711.
