Boston Police Issue Alert On Phone Call Extortion Scam

BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Police Department is warning residents of a phone scam in which someone attempts to extort money from victims.

The police are investigating two recent incidents where a suspect called the victims and informed them that a family member had been involved in a car crash with the suspect. The suspect then said the family member was in need of medical attention and would be held without medical care unless the victim sent money via wire transfer to cover expenses. The caller also warned the victims not to call police or their family member would be harmed, the police said Sunday in a prepared statement.

Several similar incidents have been reported to the police over the past four months. No victims have been injured during any of these attempted scams and whoever is responsible for the scam has not been successful in getting victims to send money, the police said.

The police are asking other victims to come forward and report their incidents. Residents can call their local police station or 9-1-1 to report incidents.

Anyone wishing to assist the investigation anonymously can can CrimeStoppers at 800-494-TIPS or text the word 'TIP' to CRIME (27463).