Southampton Police warn residents after nearly $100K lost to schemes

SOUTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Local police are urging residents to be on high alert for scams after nearly $100,000 in losses have been reported in town since the start of the year.

According to Southampton Police Chief Ian Illingsworth, schemers have used increasingly sophisticated tactics, some leveraging artificial intelligence, to manipulate victims into surrendering large sums of money.

He noted that one elderly resident lost approximately $76,000 in total before authorities intervened, including $26,000 in cash that was about to be handed over to a scheme artist that showed up at their home. That individual was arrested by Southampton Police in January.

"All age brackets have been affected and understandably so," said Illingsworth. “The scammers are brazen, apply threat tactics, and use very sophisticated trickery that involve artificial intelligence such as spoofing phone numbers or AI-generated voice replication of a relative or friend.”

These types of crimes are difficult to investigate and prosecute, particularly when perpetrators operate from outside the United States. Because of that, Illingsworth emphasized that prevention remains the most effective line of defense.

Police are educating residents to recognize common red flags associated with scams, including:

• A strong sense of urgency or imminent threat, such as claims that a loved one is under arrest or that your computer has been compromised.
• Unusual payment requests, such as wiring money, using gift cards or bitcoin kiosks, or handing over large amounts of cash.
• Offers that seem too good to be true, like surprise lottery wins or online romantic interests who appear unusually glamorous or claim to be celebrities.

To better combat the issue, the Southampton Police Department has formed a working group with local banks, the Southampton Council on Aging, the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, and area law enforcement agencies. The group aims to explore public education efforts and possible legislative solutions to reduce scam-related victimization.

Anyone with concerns or questions is encouraged to contact the Southampton Police Department.