Full Notification

The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department is again warning residents to be aware of a recent increase in telephone fraud scams. The recent cases involve someone being contacted by phone and told a family member(s) has been involved in an auto accident and are now being held hostage. The caller then demands the victim send money for their safe release.

The victim is then directed to wire funds via Western Union or similar service. Chief Thomas Mauro reports there have been several reports of this activity in the Town. Similar incidents have also been reported in New York State and New Jersey. Law enforcement is conducting active investigations concerning this activity.

Chief Mauro urges anyone that is contacted in this manner to hang up and notify your local police agency immediately. Residents are urged to make your families aware of this current scam and not become a victim of this fraud.