May 19, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chief Erik Costa, 860-638-4100

PSA - Phone Scam Warning

The Middletown Police Department wanted to make the public aware of a current phone scam affecting the community. Residents are receiving calls from suspects who allege that a family member was arrested and he/she is in need of bail money. The suspects then offer to send someone to the residence to pick up the bond money to assist with the bonding process. What also makes this unique is that the suspects are calling from out of state area codes and requesting payment in the form of Google play cards, cash, or bank routing numbers.

The complaints we have received are under investigation but the Middletown Police want the public to know about this scam to prevent anyone from being financially victimized. The police do not offer to send people to collect bail money, request banking information, or use gift/prepaid cards for bonds. In addition, if a loved one were in fact in our custody, officers would allow them to contact you directly rather than use a third party to arrange for bond.

Do not give out any private information if you receive similar calls. If a call is questionable or similar to the above details, residents are encouraged to contact their local police department directly. Middletown residents can speak to an officer at any time by calling 860-638-4000. We will always confirm whether a person is in our custody and give appropriate information on posting bond if someone has been arrested.