Massachusetts

Mass. State Police Warn Against Fake Phone Calls

Officials are warning residents of fraudulent telephone calls that appear to be from the Massachusetts State Police.

The advisory comes after multiple reports of people getting phone calls from the same number as the South Boston Barracks, but the call is a hoax. Police say the caller poses as an officer who has information regarding a complaint or potential warrant that was issued against them. The “officer” then instructs the person on the phone to collect money and go to a local shopping center to resolve the matter in person.

In some cases the caller has asked for several thousand dollars.

State police say more than a dozen people started receiving calls Saturday afternoon, the majority of whom were students at MIT.

The news has put locals on edge.

“It is kind of scary to even think about because they can call me and I would probably believe it,” said Shrewsbury resident Sam Albizreh.

“I feel like I don’t know what might come up next if I go meet up with that person,” added Ahmed Nehela of Cambridge. “It might not be only my money, it might be my life. You never know.”

Officials are stressing that this is a hoax. Police never call with warrants and do not demand money. Anyone who receives a call similar to this should hang up immediately.

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