Dover Police issues scam alert

posted on 10/31/2022

Chief William Breault of the Dover Police Department would like to alert the public regarding scam phone calls being perpetrated by individuals posing as members of the Dover Police Department.

On Oct. 31, 2022, numerous Dover residents called police after receiving a suspicious phone call in which the caller told residents that they were “under investigation” or “missed jury duty” and would be fined $3,500. The residents were instructed to pay the fine immediately to avoid arrest.

This type of scam has been used nationally. The caller(s) pose as representatives from various law enforcement agencies and threaten arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment unless paid. They will demand payment via QR code, gift card, or ask for personal information such as a social security number or date of birth. Suspects often target the elderly and can be aggressive on the phone.

This is not a method used by any actual law enforcement agency. The Dover Police Department does not make requests for payment over the phone. People are reminded to never release personal or financial information over the phone unless they initiated the call and are certain who they are speaking with.

Any phone calls of this nature should be viewed with skepticism and reported directly to the police department. If a member of the police department contacts you and you have concerns that the person is misrepresenting themselves, you are encouraged to verify this person’s identity by contacting the Dover Police Department at 603-742-4646.