September 6, 2024
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chief Erik Costa, 860-638-4100

PSA - Scam Alert

On September 6, 2024 the Middletown Police Department became aware of numerous residents and local professionals receiving calls from someone claiming to be “Sergeant Scott Saunders/Sanders of the Middletown Police Department”. The Middletown Police Department does not employ anyone by that name and the calls were coming from an internet generated phone number not associated with the Middletown Police Department. The original callers had only received voicemails and the party did not answer return calls from them or the police. It was not initially known what the caller’s motivation was.

Shortly after 3:00pm, another local professional contacted the Middletown Police Department to say that she received a call from the same party. The caller told the complainant that she had an outstanding arrest warrant for Failure to Appear in Court on a civil trial. He attempted to get the complainant to withdraw approximately $11,000 and submit it to a “Bitcoin” machine to vacate a civil penalty. She was also discouraged from contacting the real Middletown Police Department to verify his identity. The caller then placed the complainant on hold and, in an effort to appear legitimate, put her in touch with “Captain Brian Hubbs”. Captain Hubbs is an active member of the Middletown Police Department but made no such solicitation for money.  

Thankfully the complainant did not comply with the caller’s instructions and contacted the Middletown Police Department to confirm the call was a scam.

The Middletown Police Department urges residents and professionals to contact their local police department if they receive similar calls from anyone claiming to be a police officer and requesting money. No law enforcement agency will request money transfers in any way or discourage callers from contacting the police to check the validity of any investigation.

This case is currently being investigated by the Middletown Police Department Major Investigations Unit. Anyone with information on the suspect’s identity is encouraged to contact Det. D. Spedding at 860-638-4153.