Officials in Newburyport, Mass. Warn of Scammers Posing as Police Officers – NBC Boston

Residents of Newburyport, Massachusetts are being warned to be cautious after a scammer posing as a Newburyport Police officer reached someone in town by phone and demanded $10,000 or else they’d be arrested.

City Marshal Mark Murray said that the scammer, who was most likely not in the U.S., was able to use both the name of an active Newburyport police officer and a local phone number.

“Oftentimes, scammers will target vulnerable populations such as the elderly and ask them to withdraw large sums of cash or purchase large amounts of gift cards,” Murray said. “Residents should note that officers from the Newburyport Police Department will never call you regarding an arrest, nor demand money. Anyone who believes that they may have fallen victim to this scam is encouraged to contact us immediately.”

Scammers have instructed victims to provide cash to a person posing as a courier or bail bondsman who arrives at their home to collect the…