Newport Police say phone scam involves impersonation of officers

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Newport Police Department warned the public of a phone scam involving scammers impersonating members of the department.

Police said that victims may receive a call where the caller identifies themselves as a member of the department and tells the victim they have a failure to appear warrant.

In order to cancel the warrant, the caller will ask for gift card or Bitcoin codes to be read to them over the phone.

The department said that police and government officials would never ask for payment or personal information over the phone.

The callers may also appear to use the department’s caller ID.

Anyone who believes they may have received a scam call is asked to reach out to the department at 401-847-1306.