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Video Transcript

Voicemail Assistant: You have three new voice messages. First voice message

Scammer 1: Grandpa, I'm in jail. I got in a car accident. It was my fault. I need you to pay my bail. It's $10,000. You can't call Mom and Dad. They'll be too upset.

Voicemail Assistant: Next message

Scammer 2: Mr. Smith, your bank account has been compromised. Let us help secure your money.

Voicemail Assistant: Next message

Scammer 3: We are calling to inform you that you need to pay a penalty for not filing your taxes on time. You owe the IRS $10,000 and if you don’t pay immediately, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.

Massachusetts Attorney General William Tong: These are examples of actual calls that led people to lose their entire life savings. Scammers use personalized requests like this to pull you in. Requests may not be immediate or obvious. They may start small, but they always play on your emotions.

These requests trigger your desire to help people, to find love or to have financial stability. They usually involve some element of urgency or secrecy or threats. So you quickly send money before you have a chance to think about the situation.

Take the time. You need to understand what's happening. Talk to someone you trust. Research every detail. Don't give money or information to anyone making requests like these. Stop the scam before it starts.

FBI New Haven Special Agent in Charge Rob Fuller: The Connecticut Office of the Attorney General and FBI New Haven are joining forces to address the growing problem of scams in our state.

Tong: Remember, anybody can be a victim. Protect your money and your personal information.

Fuller: Go to ic3.gov to learn more about how to protect yourself and your family.