Full Notification

The Wilmington Police Department has received multiple reports of a phone scam in which the caller misrepresented themselves, invoking the names of members of this department and claiming to be calling about a missed court date and a fine.
 
It was also reported that calls appeared to come from our department’s non-emergency number, (302) 654-5151.
 
Similar to scams reported by partner agencies in the area and across the country, scammers will sometimes invoke the name of a police officer and will often allege that an individual – or a family member – has a pending charge or warrant, and then direct them to take some action, such as paying a fine using a payment card or gift card, or sending cryptocurrency.
 
Please note:
• A police department will never contact a member of the public to solicit funds
• The only way to alleviate a warrant is to appear at the agency, or at the issuing court
 
The New Castle County Sheriff’s Office has previously issued guidance regarding phone scams of this sort, and their release includes helpful tips: https://www.newcastlede.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19361/Public-Information-Message---Phone-Scams-7-12-17?bidId=
 
We encourage the public to be wary of unsolicited calls, particularly when a caller demands immediate action or payment, and anyone who receives a call like this is encouraged to contact police.
 
If you have received a call from someone claiming to be a member of our agency, you can also contact our department at (302) 654-5151 to verify the authenticity of the call.