Scams Reported In Barnstable: What To Watch Out For

BARNSTABLE, MA — Barnstable police are warning residents of various types of scammers after getting "many different" reports of scams or fraudulent calls.

Residents should be aware of the following scams, police say:

NSTAR/ National Grid – Calling about your electric being shut off

Grandchild: Someone calls and says your grandson or granddaughter was arrested and needs bail money.

Amazon Packages: Packages are delivered to your house with items you did not order. Return only to Amazon. Do not give out packages to other people that come to your house.

Social Security Scam: Someone calls and says that your Social Security number is on hold.

IRS Scam: IRS calls stating that there is a problem with your taxes, and you owe money, or you will be arrested.

Arrest Warrant: Someone calls and says there is a warrant for your arrest, and you have to pay to clear your warrant.

Email Scams: USP/USPS/FedEx – Emails stating that they have packages for you, and you need to click the link to claim your package. Do not click the link. Delete email.

Emails: Email saying your computer was hacked (sometimes a pop-up) and instructing you to click the link to fix your computer. Do not click the link.

Computer Scam: Someone calls and says that your computer was hacked, and if you give them control of your computer, they will fix it. Do not allow anyone to take control of your computer.