West Boylston - Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis is warning residents about a recent phone scam in which the caller claims that they’re a Sheriff’s Office employee and tells victims that they have an arrest warrant in their name or the name of a loved one. To avoid going to jail, the caller tells the individual that they need to pay a fine. Other popular phone scams involve claims of missed jury duty that also results in fines.
The Sheriff’s Office has now received numerous reports of phone scams. In some cases, the scammer identifies himself as an Officer of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and then asks for money to clear up a warrant. In some instances, the caller requests that payments be made in the form of gift certificates. The caller will then have the victim remain on the line the entire time until the victim purchases the gift certificates and relays specific financial information from the gift certificate to the caller.
The Worcester County Sheriff's Office encourages people to be aware of calls like this and to never give personal or financial information over the phone to anyone whom you didn’t call yourself.
"Our department does not contact residents and demand payment or ask for credit card information. Today's scam artists are always testing new tactics. Residents need to beware of any unsolicited calls that ask for their personal or financial information,” commented Sheriff Evangelidis. "These callers can sound convincing, may be aggressive, and try to intimidate you with threats of jail time or steep fines. We encourage anyone who gets a suspicious call to hang up and contact their associated institutions directly to verify any requests.”
What else is happening in and around Worcester? Click here or keep scrolling ⤵️
In The News
>WEATHER: Mark Rosenthal's 7-day forecast (:32). High of 88 today in Worcester
>TOP OF THE NEWS
-Woman in hospital after shooting at Crompton Park
-Art with a message: Main South installation aims to promote pedestrian safety
-Worcester mayor says fund freeze could cost 20 school jobs
-Worcester ranks among top U.S. metros for S.T.E.M. jobs
-Worcester County Wonders: Three-deckers remain a thriving icon for city
-Raised by undocumented loved ones, Worcester officer seeks to rebuild public trust
-Worcester city officials create D.O.J. report webpage for public
-Testimony of key witness in 2024 murder of mother and daughter in limbo after I.C.E. arrest
-Monday's Child: Alanna, 12, is a bright, easygoing and adventurous young lady
-Venture Community Services celebrates 50th anniversary
-The best donut shops in Central Mass.
-10+ indoor play spots in Central Mass.
-Radio Worcester's The Rundown (26:08): Crompton Pool delay, negative review drama and police mask ban
-Radio Worcester Roundtable (44:06): Rent incentives, pool closures and Worcester’s political future
>DINING OUT (brought to you by Patsie Dugan's): Popular diner updates hours
-ICYMI: Teammates, parents recall Charlton youth, 11, killed in bicycle crash
-Basketball coach again tops UMass Medical School chancellor as highest-paid state employee
-Small businesses across Mass. passing ownership baton to employees
-Rising costs of living and petcare are forcing shelters to adapt to an increase in pets needing a home
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
>HOLDEN (brought to you by Lamoureux Ford): This week's traffic delays and road closures
-Long term employees make Lamoureux Ford special (3:50)
-Holden Little League continues to put up big numbers, defeats Rutland to win Majors title
>THE BURBS (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Shrewsbury sewer main installation begins Monday
-2 cars collide in Shrewsbury crash involving building
-Rental housing to be added near Grafton's commuter-rail station
-Paxton has 1 interviewee for interim post
-Clinton fireworks in memory of John "Jack" Wattu
-Hillside Trails offers tribute to Matthew Phillips
-Building for the future of Nashoba
-The Landmark's public safety logs
-The Item's public safety logs
>BARS & BANDS: The Mayor's Live Music List for Monday
>SHOWTIME: Brian May reflects on Queen's performance at Live Aid 40 years ago (:46)
-From night kayaking to twilight strolls, "noctourism" on the ascendant in Central Mass.
>OPINION: Shaun Connolly: How do I stop going to school?
-Laurel: One day at Shore Park
-WCCA-TV's Tech Safe No. 58 (29:08): Shannon Rowan
-This Week in Worcester Podcast (1:59:16)
>OBITUARIES: Tribute to longtime Worcester doctor
>SPORTS: Red Sox beat Rays, 4-1
-Bravehearts learning from each other while winning
-Bravehearts fall to Westfield, 13-3. Next home game: 6:30 Tuesday. Buy tickets here
-WooSox beat Rochester, 2-0
>NATIONAL: Jeffrey Epstein sent eerie final message hours before suicide: Michael Wolff
-Forever stamp price rises to 78 cents
>TRAGIC: Couple killed in wine cellar mishap with dry ice as they prep for July Fourth bash: reports
>NEW ENGLAND: Multiple people killed in fire at assisted living residence in Fall River (1:40). Article
-Mass. lawmaker wants to make utility costs easier to understand (1:59)
-Father of woman who died in Brookline police custody demands answers (3:12). Article
>COLLEGES: WPI selects finance professor as interim business school dean
>TRAVEL (brought to you by Fuller RV & Rental): What's better the ocean or lake? (7:21)
>BUSINESS: Court blocks F.T.C. rule for easier subscription cancellations
-Amazon Prime Day: Record sales in dollars, items purchased
>HOMES: Homes in Worcester County sold for lower prices recently
>SHOPPING: Back to school budgeting tips
>HEALTH: Woman says doctors mistook brain tumor for heatstroke
-Could daydreaming help you learn more? A new study thinks so (1:04)
>FOOD: Ritz sandwich crackers recalled due to life-threatening labeling error
>TV/STREAMING: Who won "Love Island USA" Season 7?
>MOVIES: "Superman" box office opening saves the day for DC Studios
>CELEBRITY: "Jaws" star Richard Dreyfuss reveals bronchitis diagnosis, skips SharkCon
>ANIMALS: Wild squirrel comes back everyday to see her rescuer (2:01)
>HISTORY: Then & Now: Do you know where this is?
>GOOD NEWS: Woman celebrates 105th birthday
-Meanwhile, in Michigan, gunman baited out of hiding by drink dangling from drone — before cop sharpshooter opens fire
Latest obituaries | | Sunday's Highlights | | Today's horoscope | | Local Sports
Quick Links: Personalize your news | | Browse members | | Advertise | | Blogs | | Invite friends | | Videos
Animals | | Boston Sports | | Business | | Cars | | Celebrity | | Colleges | | Commute & Travel | | Crime | | Faith | | Food | | Good News | | Health | | Help Wanted | History | | Homes | | Local Sports | | Lottery | | Movies | | National | | New England | | Politics | | Shopping & Deals | | SHOWTIME! | | TV & Streaming | | Weather