Suffolk cops warn about telephone scams

Suffolk County police are again warning residents of telephone scams after five incidents were reported this week, authorities said.

Police said victims have received telephone calls from people who claim that a family member is in trouble, and then pressure them to immediately wire money.

In one scenario, the caller says a relative will be held at gunpoint until thousands in cash is sent because the relative has refused to pay for damages in a crash, police said.

Another scenario has the caller claiming a victim's family member has been arrested and needs bail money.

Investigations have determined the victims are randomly selected and that the suspects convince the victims that the scenario is real.

These scams have being reported nationwide, officials said.

Suffolk police advise residents to verify the threatened relative's whereabouts and not give out any personal information. Scam call recipients are asked to call authorities.