Scam Phone Calls Reported in Dubuque

Date: 11/14/18
Contacts: Lieutenant Joe Messerich, (563) 589-4473
                  Assistant Chief Jeremy Jensen, (563) 589-4444

Dispatch has received over 15 calls today from citizens reporting the same telephone scam.  It is being reported that a male and female with heavy accents are calling area seniors and telling them their Social Security accounts have been compromised and they will no longer be receiving a benefit until the problem is resolved.  The callers then ask for the victim’s Social Security number to verify they are talking to the account holder.  This is a scam and if you receive a similar call hang up on the caller. 

As a reminder, do not give out sensitive personal information over the phone unless you know who you are dealing with and always be suspicious of unsolicited phone contact from callers wanting your personal information.  For more information visit: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/01/scammers-impersonate-social-security-administration

If you have any information on this incident or others, please call the Dubuque Police Department at 563-589-4415 or Crime Stoppers at 800-747-0117 or 563-588-0714 (if the information leads to an arrest, the caller is eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000). You can also submit tips anonymously online at www.cityofdubuque.org/police or through the MyDBQ smartphone app available at www.cityofdubuque.org/MyDBQ.