Billerica – The Billerica Police have received numerous reports of wire fraud over the past few years involving organized groups attempting to solicit unsuspecting residents through various forms of deception. Recently there has been an uptick in the amount of scams involving a representation from alleged overseas authorities, either posing as law enforcement or another foreign government agency, claiming that the victims’ loved ones are in immediate need of monies. Some of the scams involve an allegation that a family member is in custody and needs monies for court costs or restitution. One common denominator on all the scams we see involves the caller indicating the need is urgent and must be acted upon immediately. In addition, the caller will most often instruct the victim to use either Western Union or a Money gram to send the money to an overseas location. The Billerica Police want to warn residents to immediately contact this department if they receive a solicitation such as these described. Once money is wired it is virtually impossible for this department, or any other, to recover the funds.

Any additional questions should be directed to Lieutenant Roy Frost, 978-667-1212 x120