Shomrim is warning residents about a dangerous new phone scam where callers pretend to be NYPD officers using real names and spoofed precinct phone numbers to sound believable.

A concerned resident recently contacted Shomrim after receiving a suspicious call. The caller ID showed 718-851-5611 the actual number of the NYPD’s 66th Precinct. The person claimed to be Captain Kenneth Herrarte and spoke in detail about supposed “suspicious overseas bank activity.” The story was professional and convincing.

Sensing something was wrong, the individual reached out to Shomrim. Volunteers immediately identified it as a scam and contacted the 66th Precinct directly. The real precinct captain confirmed the call was fake and even spoke with the victim himself to reassure him.

This was one of several recent impersonation and IRS-style scams targeting community members. These calls use publicly available names and real phone numbers to create fear and urgency pressuring people into revealing personal or financial information or making immediate payments.

Common Tactics Used in These Scams:
• Claiming to be NYPD, IRS, Con Edison, National Grid, or other agencies.
• Spoofing official phone numbers to appear legitimate.
• Threatening immediate arrest, utility shutoff, or account closure.
• Demanding immediate payment by wire, Zelle, or gift card.
• Refusing to allow time to verify and pushing for fast action.

What You Need to Know:
• No legitimate agency will ever demand immediate payment by phone or gift card.
• Government or utility companies always send written notices by mail.
• If you’re unsure, hang up and call the number on your official bill or visit in person.
• Never share personal, banking, or login information over the phone.
• If you receive a suspicious call, contact Shomrim immediately.

Thanks to Shomrim’s quick action and coordination with the NYPD, this scam attempt was shut down before any harm was done. But these tactics continue to evolve and awareness is the best protection.

Stay alert. Trust your instincts. And always double-check before acting.