Scam Alert from the Cambridge Police Department

Scam Alert from the Cambridge Police Department

The Cambridge Police Department would like to alert the community of a scam, known as the Tech-Support Scam, that has been targeting residents in our city and neighboring communities. Residents receive pop-up messages and emails on their electronic devices claiming to be from a technical support agency. The unknown individual(s) request the user to contact a specific phone number. When the user contacts the phone number, they are persuaded into giving access to their computer system via a remote desktop application. While connected remotely to the computer, the user is instructed to log into their financial accounts. The users’ keystrokes are recorded ultimately compromising the security of their personal accounts.

Part of the scam involves the user being told their money is not safe in their account, and they should transfer the funds to a different account with the unknown individual(s). The user is then persuaded to transfer funds via the following means:

• Purchasing gift cards
• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin)
• Wire transfer
• Withdrawing cash from the bank and mailing it to a specified address or having a “courier” pick it up
• Purchasing precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) and having them picked up by a courier

The potential victim may also receive correspondence from an individual(s) claiming to be from a law enforcement agency reassuring the victim that their funds are safe.  The Cambridge Police Department encourages you to follow these safety tips:

• If you receive a pop-up or email, like the one described above, do NOT contact the phone number or send money.
• Make sure the anti-virus/malware software is always up to date on your electronic devices. 
• If you feel you have been a victim of this scam, contact your local law enforcement agency for assistance. 
• No legitimate tech support company or law enforcement entity will require payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, cash, or precious metals.

Anyone with any information related to this scam is strongly encouraged to call Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300. Those who wish to provide information anonymously may dial the Cambridge Police Anonymous Crime Tip Hotline at 617-349-9151 and leave a message. Anonymous tips may also be sent via the Cambridge Police MyPD mobile app or via text message to 847411. Begin your text with TIP650 and then type your message. To send tips via email, visit www.CambridgePolice.org/tips.