How to Report Fraud

Other Resources

The 9 PM Routine is a daily reminder for residents to park in a well-lit area (if possible), remove valuables from their cars, and to lock their doors at night. For frequent reminders, please follow us on Facebook (@LowellMAPD) or Twitter (@LowellPD).

9PM Routine

Helpful Tips to Avoid Identity Theft and Scams

  • Do not give away personally identifiable information to an unknown caller or on unofficial websites. 
  • Delete unsolicited text messages. 
  • Be aware of phishing emails. Do not click on random links or respond to suspicious emails claiming to provide financial assistance. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. 
  • To report a crime or other concerns, please contact the Lowell Police Communications line (978) 937-3200).

Types of Scams

Unemployment Scams

Scammers will file an unemployment claim in your name. If you believe your personal information was used to file a false unemployment claim, please file a victim report on the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) website or call the customer service line (877) 626-6800). Residents can also check their credit reports to see if their personal identifiable information has been compromised.

IRS Scams

Scammers will contact individuals and claim to be from the IRS. Victims can be told that their SSN will be canceled if they don’t pay their tax bill or that they owe money and must pay via a gift card or wire transfer. To learn more about IRS scams, please visit https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.

National Grid Scams

Scammers will contact National Grid customers and state that their bill is overdue. The scammer then asks the customer to pay their overdue balance via cash apps such as PayPal, Venmo, etc. If you receive this call, please hang up. The only way to pay your bill over the phone is the phone number provided on your National Grid bill.

For more information on National Grid Scams click here.

Phone Scams

Scammers will call claiming to need money immediately. If you receive this type of call, please hang up.

Elder fraud, also known as elder financial exploitation or elder financial abuse, is the act of taking advantage of an elderly person by misappropriation or fraudulent deprivation of their money or property. This type of abuse causes devastating financial harm to the victim, and often occurs in the context of a relationship where the perpetrator is in a position of trust.

Criminals gain their targets’ trust and communicate with them directly via computer, phone, and the mail; or indirectly through the TV and radio. They may send phishing emails to glean information, and then use targeted attacks to help deceive a victim into going along with a scam. Once successful, scammers are likely to keep a scheme going because of the prospect of significant financial gain. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were over 35,000 cases of fraud reported in Massachusetts in 2020. These instances resulted in over $42 million in total loss.

Seniors are disproportionately targeted as victims of fraud because they tend to be more trusting. They are also often in financial situations that are attractive to scammers; many seniors have substantial savings, own a home, and have good credit. Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they don’t know how, or they may be too ashamed at having been scammed.

For more information click here.

Tips to Protect Yourself
  1. Once you recognize a scam, discontinue all communication and report the incident.
  2. If you suspect a scam, search online for the contact information (name, email, phone number, addresses) of the suspected scammer. Other people have likely posted information online about individuals and businesses trying to run scams.
  3. Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if a company, charity, or organization is credible.
  4. If an individual is pressuring you to act quickly, resist the request. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action.
  5. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door services offers. It is okay to hang up or close the door.
  6. Register for the Do Not Call list.
  7. Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
  8. Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment or click on a website link from someone you don’t know.
  9. If a criminal gains access to your device or accounts, immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor them for suspicious activity.
  10. Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.