Full Notification

The New Castle Police Department has recently investigated complaints of fraud, in which, residents are contacted, via telephone or email, regarding an emergency situation involving a friend or family member.

The scammers perpetrating this type of fraud fabricate a narrative that may include accurate information detailing names and locations of friends and/or family. They may also speak using general terms, while attempting to gather more personal information from the victim, through conversation. In either case, a sense of urgency is created, by the scammers, in order to instill fear and confuse potential victims.
Scammers generally press potential victims to send money via money order, bank wire, or gift cards; and insist that such payment be made immediately. In many instances, victims have been told not to contact Police.

There are no circumstances that require such payment methods, in which any of the conditions mentioned apply, unless you are being scammed.

If you are contacted and are told that payment in any of the above mentioned forms is necessary to help another person, DO NOT SEND PAYMENT.

Instead, contact the person that is alleged to be in trouble and verify whether they are in need of assistance. You may also contact the Police if you are having trouble determining whether or not you are being scammed.

If you believe that you may have been a victim of fraud, please contact the New Castle Police Department at (914) 238-4422.