Crime Alert: Phone Scam

Crime Alert: Phone Scam

The New Castle County Police would like to warn citizens of a Wilmington Police Department officer impersonation scam.

New Castle County Police have received reports from residents stating they have received calls from a “Sergeant Riley” and/or “Corporal Mark Ivy” from the Wilmington Police Department or the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle.

The unknown suspect(s) are calling from a “302” area code. Earlier this year, suspects involved in a similar scam called from a “202” area code. The suspect(s) call victims stating there is a bench warrant for their arrest. The victims are then instructed to purchase a pre-paid credit card such as NetSpend. The cards purchased by the victims are over $1,000.

The New Castle County Police is requesting citizens to report any suspicious telephone calls from people claiming to be a law enforcement officer or agent. Citizens should know that law enforcement officials will not request money in lieu of an arrest.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to please contact the New Castle County Police Department at (302) 573-2800. You can also submit a tip anonymously by going to www.NCCPD.com and follow the link for “Tips and Alerts.” You will be asked for a subject line, the location the tip applies to, and your tip information. You may also attach a photograph.

Citizens may also provide text tips by texting the key word NCCPD to 847411 (TIP411) followed by your tip. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-333. Residents with the Smartphone App are encouraged to use the “submit tip” tab to submit tips by selecting a topic using the “drop down” and complete the tip by “clicking” submit.

-30-