NORWICH – An over-the-phone money scam that first appeared in the area in 2009 has resurfaced once again and the Norwich City Police Department is urging anyone who receives a suspicious call of any kind – no matter how much seemingly factual information may be related – to think before they open up their wallet, purse or checkbook.

According to Police Chief Joseph Angelino, the most recent incidents being reported to authorities involve a “confidence-gaining” call – with factual information – which can lead an unsuspecting person into becoming a victim.

“There’s a reason these criminals are called ‘con-men’ or ‘confidence-men,” added the police chief.

The scam typically consists of a call, placed to specific family members and indicating a relative – usually a grandchild – is in some sort of trouble and needs money sent right away, said Angelino. Various circumstances are being used this time around, he added, such as the need for bail money to get a grandchild out of jail or the need for a check to be sent to an out-of-area business to cover damages caused in an accident or other occurrence. The person making the call, said the police chief, typically claims to be in a position of authority, such as a police desk sergeant, an attorney from a public defender’s office or a district attorney.

Similar telephone scams have come and gone in the past, according to police.

Said Angelino, “This concerns me because all of the victims have been elderly and the caller has factual information that makes the victim believe the circumstances could be true.”