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BRIEF: Cops: New burglary scheme uses app to disguise phone number [The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa. :: ](Times-Tribune (Scranton, PA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) July 26--OLYPHANT -- Scammers have been using a smartphone app to disguise their phone number and call borough residents to fish for burglary targets, Olyphant police suspect. The victims believe they are speaking with a FedEx representative from the Wilkes-Barre Twp. print center, who asks them if they will be home at a certain time to sign for a package, Officer Paul Nardozzi said. When victims search the Internet of the number that appeared on their caller ID, it comes back as the FedEx print center. "(FedEx does) not call and ask if you're going to be home," Officer Nardozzi said. Police fear the scammers are trying to find victims who say they won't be home at a certain time, potentially setting up an easy burglary. It's not clear which app they are using. No burglaries in the borough have been linked to the scam, but police are asking residents to be cautious when revealing such compromising information. The calls have been happening for several days. Anyone with information is asked to contact Olyphant police at 570-383-1820 or the Lackawanna County Communications Center at 570-342-9111. Contact the writer: [email protected], @jkohutTT on Twitter ___ (c)2014 The Times-Tribune (Scranton, Pa.) Visit The Times-Tribune (Scranton, Pa.) at thetimes-tribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |