The Hazleton City Police Department is warning the public about an ongoing scam targeting senior citizens in our community.

In these incidents, scammers contact victims by phone and falsely claim that a family member has been involved in a serious crash or emergency situation. The caller will often create a sense of urgency, stating that the loved one’s life is in danger and that immediate payment is required to help them. These stories are often emotional and convincing, designed to pressure victims into acting quickly without verifying the information.

Residents are reminded that hospitals, police, firefighters, and EMS personnel will NEVER call and request money for emergency services or to assist a loved one.

Please keep the following in mind:

• Do not send money or provide financial information to unknown callers.
• Take a moment to verify the situation by contacting your family member directly or reaching out to other relatives.
• Be cautious of any call that demands immediate payment or secrecy.

If you believe you have been targeted or victimized by this scam, please contact 911 immediately. The Hazleton City Police Department also encourages all residents to report any suspicious calls so that we can continue to protect our community.

Stay alert and help spread awareness to protect our senior citizens from fraud.