Middletown Police warning public of online dating scam

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — The Middletown Police Department said it has received reports of a scam targeting users of online dating sites.

The scam involves the users of multiple dating sites being called by an individual claiming to be the parent of a person they have been talking to on the dating site.

The scammer claims that the person they have been speaking to is a juvenile, and they demand money to avoid getting police involved.

In one case, the scammer used a voicemail from an actual Middletown detective.

The Department said anyone who believes they are being scammed to hang up immediately and contact their local police department.

The incidents are under active investigation.