NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The NYPD is launching a 24-hour hotline to help New Yorkers fight back if they fall prey to emerging scams and cyber-assisted crimes.
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Police personnel assigned to answer the hotline – 646-610-SCAM – will guide callers in responding to scams, educate them about additional resources, and refer them to services, including 911, for crimes requiring a police response.
By gathering and sharing intelligence about these evolving crimes, law enforcement can better analyze and neutralize them, the NYPD said in a news release.
The campaign is designed to raise awareness about the range of schemes criminals are using to target and exploit people, steal their money or other property, and cause incalculable harm to individuals, families, and communities.
"The NYPD is fighting this challenging and complex landscape of criminality head on," said NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell. "These insidious crimes occur citywide, and they target some of our most vulnerable communities – including our immigrant, elder, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. But the NYPD is ever vigilant, and we ask the public to join us in stopping these scams and holding those behind them fully accountable."
As part of its preventative efforts, the NYPD is warning people to be alert to suspicious contacts from anyone claiming to be the following: part of a government agency, authority, or utility; a debt collector; a bank or retail company representative; or a contact from a dating app or website.
"Be aware that no legitimate business or government agency will ever require you to purchase or send gift cards to pay a bill or resolve a debt," Sewell said. "If you have any concerns that you or someone you know may be the victim of a scam, call our information hotline. To report a crime, call 911 or your local precinct. There is always help available."
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