WINTHROP, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Authorities in Winthrop are warning of a personal loan scam that is being mailed to some residents.
On Wednesday, the Winthrop Finance Department reported a letter was returned to them that had an offer for a $17,000 personal loan and gift cards to businesses like Starbucks and Target.
The letter was returned to the Finance Department despite the return address stating it was from an undisclosed administrative office in Winthrop. The department the reported it to police.
Winthrop Police said that residents should never give personal information to people who call them unsolicited. This includes social security and credit card numbers.
Read More: MASSPIRG Warns Of Scams Amid Coronavirus Crisis
"The only reason we became aware of this is because it was returned to the believed sender," Winthrop Police Chief Terence Delehanty said. "However, the Town would never send a letter like this. We encourage residents to remain vigilant and to always call if they receive any suspicious offers either by mail, over the phone or in person."
Chief Delehanty is also asking residents to keep an eye out for scams related to the COVID-19 crisis, and residents should not virust testing from solicitors in exchange for financial information.
"If residents encounter individuals claiming to be a member of the Winthrop Police or Fire Department who are seeking monetary donations pertaining to COVID-19, they are asked to contact the Winthrop Police Department. Neither department is accepting these types of donations at this time," the police department said in a statement.
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