Meriden Police List Ten Red Flags To Spot Fraud
Detective Jon Femia warns residents that gift card requests and urgent threats are key indicators of a scam.
By Camila Herrera ·
The Meriden Police Department has issued a list of ten specific red flags to help residents identify fraud attempts.
Detective Jon Femia, the department's Financial Crimes Investigator, posted the guidance on the police Facebook page on October 30, 2026.
Police stated the department has received a substantial amount of fraud reports in recent months.
Officers noted that most of these cases could have been prevented with basic information.
The first warning involves payment methods. Femia said any request to pay in gift cards, including Apple, Amazon, Visa, or CVS, signals a scam.
Scammers also often demand payment in gold bars or other precious metals.
Another common tactic involves a phone call from a caller claiming to represent the Federal Trade Commission.
If the caller threatens arrest or claims they will use the Department of Children and Families against you, the call is a scam.
Physical cash withdrawals are also a target. Police said it is a scam if a caller instructs you to withdraw money and give it to an agent who will visit your home.
It is also a scam if the caller asks you to leave your phone on so they can listen while you get cash at the bank.
Callers may tell you to lie to the bank about the reason for the withdrawal to protect the investigation.
Communication platforms are another area of concern. If a contact moves the conversation from Facebook to Telegram or Signal, police say it is a scam to avoid detection and tracking by the original platform. This applies to online relationships where the other person frequently cancels in-person meetings. It is also a scam if a random pop-up window on your computer directs you to call Microsoft or another technical support service. Text messages or calls from the government or a bank asking you to click a link or provide information to verify your account are also scams. Finally, if a utility company claims service will shut off unless you immediately send payment in cryptocurrency, it is a scam. Scammers target the elderly, the vulnerable, and the lonely by creating urgency and manipulating emotions. Police noted that once a victim is scammed, it is very unlikely their money will be recovered. Investigating and prosecuting fraud is difficult, especially when the scam originates overseas. Knowledge is the best defense against fraud. Use these tips to stay safe. And that is no scam.
