(New Castle, DE 19720) Over the last week, officers have handled additional reports of phone scams. During these scams, the suspects identified themselves as members of law enforcement and demanded the victim pay money for an outstanding criminal warrant. In the most recent scam, the suspect had the victim pay over $14,000 to a Coinflop FDIC Bitcoin kiosk. The suspect identified himself as NCCPD Sheriff Sgt Brian Collins and used a fake phone number to make the call.

Here are some red flags to help you identify potential scams and protect yourself:

• Unsolicited Calls – Be cautious of unsolicited calls from someone claiming to be a police officer.
• Pressure Tactics – Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, creating a sense of urgency. They may threaten arrest or claim that immediate payment is necessary.
• Payment Methods – Be wary if you’re asked to make payments, especially through unconventional methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

If you suspect a scam, follow these steps to protect yourself:

• Verify the Call – Hang up and independently verify the call by contacting the official phone number of your local police department. Do not use the number provided by the caller.
• Consult Family – Speak with other family members to confirm the situation. Scammers often exploit emotions by claiming a loved one is in trouble.
• Report to Authorities – If you determine it’s a scam, report the incident to your local police immediately. Help us track these criminals and protect others in our community.

Please remember that legitimate authorities will not demand payment through unconventional means like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If you are ever in doubt, please contact the New Castle County Division of Police directly to verify the legitimacy of the situation at (302) 573-2800.

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