Hingham, MA - A 95 year old resident lost $2,000 in a scam that started with an unsolicited text message. 

On October 3, 2023 a 95 year old resident received a text message telling him his bank account had been frozen. The message instructed him to call a phone number for instructions on how to un-freeze his account. The resident called the phone number and was told he needed to purchase gift cards from Target and Walmart. The resident purchased the gift cards totaling $2,000 and called the scammer back giving him all of the gift card numbers. 

Later the resident feared that he may have been scammed, called his bank, and learned he was scammed. 

In these cases, the scammers redeem the gift cards online immediately and the money is gone. As a reminder, never respond to an unsolicited text or email from your financial institution or click on any links. If you are concerned that it may be actually from your bank or credit card company, you should contact them at the number, website or email listed on your actual credit cards or statements. This is the only way to be certain you are contacting the actual company. Also, no legitimate financial institution, utility, or government agency will demand or accept gift cards as payment. ### Contact P.I.O. Lt. Steven Dearth