Chief Murphy and the North Reading Police are warning town residents that there was a recent spoofing attempt where a scammer called a North Reading resident and the caller ID showed that the call was coming from a town hall phone number.
“Spoofing” occurs when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally.
We remind citizens that a Town Official will never ask for personal information and if they do receive a call that appears to be from a Town Government number, to tell the person that they will call them back. The resident is then advised to look up the correct number for the office that called them and return the call and make sure they are speaking to someone that works for the Town. Once the resident has confirmed the identity of the person on the other end of the line, they should inquire as to whether or not a call was placed to them for official business.
If you have any further questions or concerns, call the North Reading Police Department at 978-357-5064.