Full Notification

HOSTAGE PHONE CALL SCAM

Law enforcement officials in Central Pennsylvania have identified at least six victims that received phone calls stating their relative was in danger. The callers have stated the relative was either taken hostage or involved in a minor accident. During the course of the calls, the suspect told the victim they must pay $2,000 or their relative will be harmed. The callers possessed some background information on the victims and in one incident, knew the victims’ brother’s name, work location and cell phone number.

Investigations into the various incidents have determined the calls originated from Puerto Rico and were made using a pre-paid cellular phone. Although the calls emanate from outside the country, the caller ID on the victim’s phone typically displays a local number. It is unknown how the suspects acquired the victim’s personal information.

The Mercersburg Police Department is encouraging citizens to immediately report similar incidents to the Mercersburg Police Department if you live within the Borough of Mercersburg at (717) 328-0150. If you live outside the Borough you can report the incident to the Pennsylvania State Police, Chambersburg, PA at (717) 264-5161.