The Sidney Police Department issued a public safety alert on Tuesday, warning that scammers are impersonating law‑enforcement officers in phone calls aimed at senior citizens. According to the department’s social‑media post, the fraudsters are attempting to defraud older residents by claiming to be Sidney police officers and requesting personal or financial details.

How the scam works

Scammers call unsuspecting individuals, introduce themselves as police officers, and claim there is an urgent issue that requires immediate action. They often say the “officer” needs the victim to verify identity, pay a fine, or transfer funds to resolve the alleged problem. The department emphasized that legitimate officers will never ask for payment or personal banking information over the phone.

Police department’s recommendations

Sidney Police officials urged residents to take the following steps when faced with a suspicious call:

• Hang up immediately if the caller claims to be a police officer and asks for money or personal data.
• Do not share Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit‑card information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Contact the Sidney Police Department directly at (937) 498‑2351 to verify the legitimacy of any request.
• Report the incident to the department so investigators can track and disrupt the fraud network.

Protecting our seniors

The warning comes as part of a broader effort by local law‑enforcement to protect vulnerable members of the community, especially seniors who are often targeted by financial criminals. The department’s spokesperson noted that recent reports show an uptick in phone‑based scams across the state, and Sidney residents are being reminded to stay vigilant.

“Our seniors deserve to feel safe in their homes and not be preyed upon by unscrupulous individuals,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to educating the public and ensuring that these deceptive practices are stopped before they cause further harm.”

What to do if you’ve been targeted

If a resident believes they have already provided information to a fraudster, the department advises the following actions:

• Contact your bank or credit‑card issuer immediately to freeze or monitor accounts.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports through the major bureaus.
• File a report with the Sidney Police Department so the case can be investigated.
• Consider enrolling in identity‑theft protection services.

By acting quickly, victims can limit potential financial loss and help law‑enforcement track down the perpetrators.

Community response

Local community groups and senior‑service organizations have expressed support for the police’s proactive outreach. Many are planning informational sessions at senior centers to further educate older adults about common scams and safe‑communication practices.

The Sidney Police Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, share the warning with family and friends, and remember that legitimate police officers will never demand payment over the phone.

Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.