NPD: Newton residents see recent increase in scam calls

The Newton Police Department is reporting a noticeable increase in complaints regarding phone scams that appear to be similar in nature.

In these complaints, the callers appear to be trying to gain access to the victim’s social security numbers.

“Some have claimed that the victims have won money while others have claimed that their social security numbers have been compromised,” the release said.

Another common theme of the recent scam complaints is the caller asking for the victim to purchase Google Play cards, and the victims were instructed to put a stated amount of money on that card. The caller then asks for the card number in order for the caller to gain access to the card.

“These scammers have been very demanding,” Newton Police Department officials said in a press release.

Newton police ask residents who have received similar calls or emails to write down the person’s information and the phone number. Then, end the call and contact the agency they claim to be with to check the caller’s validity. Investigators said research the phone numbers the caller gave you but do not call them.

Most of these calls appear to be targeting senior citizens. For further questions, contact the police department at 641-791-0850.

“There are no legitimate companies that will require you to buy cards and provide them the numbers on the cards for payment,” the release said.

Contact Orrin Shawl at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or oshawl@newtondailynews.com