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BRIDGEPORT -- The Bridgeport Police Department is warning residents of a phone scam occurring in the village that involves an individual or individuals impersonating the department in an attempt to gain bank account information.
Police Chief John Bumba said the department received a report Monday that a resident received a phone call from an individual identifying themselves as the police department. He said the village's number was also spoofed, showing up on the resident's caller ID as being from the department.
"Its been one resident so far that's received a scam call. They're using the village's number -- 740-635-9999 -- and saying they are the police department," Bumba said, adding that officers hope that is the only case of the incident.
Bumba said the impersonator attempted to collect bank account numbers and other banking information from the resident. This is something the police department would never do, he said.
"We will never call anyone and ask for personal information over the phone," he said.
Officers are urging residents to call the department at 740-635-9999 to report these calls or to confirm a call is legitimate. If there is ever any doubt that a call is fraudulent, he recommends requesting an officer come to the person's home.
Bumba said he has an officer working the case. Once they are able to obtain additional information, they will work to track the phone call to identify who is making the scam calls.
"We'll have to get subpoenas for phone records to see if we can trace it back to the caller," he said.