A terrifying scam is throwing some local residents into panic mode.

Westport Police Detective Sergeant Antonio Cestodio says over the last week several residents have called police in alarm after they've received calls from an unknown person who tricks them into identifying a family member's name, and then fabricates a horrific scenario involving that family member.

Sgt. Cestodio says the unknown caller may ask an unsuspecting resident the name of a family member or what kind of car they drive, and then go onto say the family member is either being held for ransom or has been involved in an accident and now owes on medical bills. In both scenarios, the anonymous caller tells the resident their loved one will be killed or will never be seen again if cash or personal or banking information is not provided to them.

Sgt. Cestodio says this scam is different from past reported incidents, since this scheme plays heavily on emotions.

Cestodio says in each instance, when investigated, the target of the threat has been located completely unharmed and unaware of the threat.

If you receive such a call, do not release any information or make any payments, and call police immediately.

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