THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 18, 2025 Page 7 MSO warns of uptick in law enforcement impersonation scam calls T he Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) is warning residents of a significant uptick in reported scam calls in which perpetrators are posing as members of the office. During June, the MSO’s Inner Perimeter Security (IPS) team reported receiving 59 complaints of scammers posing as officers or deputies — the most recently reported to the office in a single month. Of the 59 people who reported receiving calls during the month of June, one individual reported losing more than $1,700. These law enforcement impersonation scams are persistent and widespread, with fraudsters often telling targets they are subject to arrest for things like failing to pay taxes or outstanding fines, failing to show for jury duty or failing to participate in court hearings as expert witnesses. In some instances, they might tell individuals with professional licenses — such as medical or mental health professionals — that those licenses may be revoked as a result of these failures. In almost all cases, the scammers will tell targets that they can avoid arrest if they pay fines and fees, and they will pressure targets to pay immediately utilizing cryptocurrency or gift cards or via wire transfer. Scammers will frequently lend additional authenticity to this fraud by using the names of real officers, spoofing the telephone numbers of law enforcement agencies or even telling victims to report to addresses associated with law enforcement entities. “If you receive one of these messages, please know that no legitimate law enforceThe Everett Public Libraries: 2025 So Far I t has been a busy 2025 at the Everett Public Libraries! From programs to reading challenges to expanded collections, there is always something going on at the library. With so much to cover, we reached out to some of the librarians to find out what their highlights of the year have been so far: Kathleen, Adult Services Librarian: “The program that stays with me, that haunts me, is ‘The Sinking of the Larchmont’, which was presented at the Parlin on Wednesday, April 30th. Mr. Harrington, Director of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and columnist for the Providence Journal, gathered newspaper accounts, photographs and postcards to tell the heartbreaking story of the sinking of the Larchmont, a paddleboat steamship taking passengers overnight to New York City on a freezing night in February. Among the few survivors was a young, vivacious Jewish girl repeatedly saved from the waves by a handsome, young Swedish immigrant. He died two weeks later from frostbite. We were told the story of the young, beautiful Salvation Army volunteers who assisted passengers into life jackets and sang hymns on the deck as the ship went down. Audiences told Mr. Harrington that the Larchmont was America’s Titanic. Mr. Harrington argues that the Titanic is Europe’s Larchmont.” Kristin, Children’s Librarian: “Our Summer Reading Kick425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! off Party drew members of all ages from our Everett community. On Saturday, June 14th, children, parents, grandparents and caregivers came together to celebrate this year’s theme: ‘Color Our World,’ paying tribute to The Arts. Highlights included face painting for the kids, a special story time with author Claire Crean accompanied by saxophonist Tyler White, a talented Berklee College of Music musician. Rob Surette, a nationally known speed painter and motivational speaker captivated the audience with a mesmerizing hourlong performance that combined rapid-fire artwork with powerful messages of self-belief and positivity. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the summer. Seeing families laugh, learn, and spend time together at the library was everything we hoped for.” Talia, Reference Librarian: “One of the highlights at the library this year has been the 1,000 Paper Cranes community art installation. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see people of all ages come together to learn a new skill and contribute to a collective piece of art that now beautifully decorates our library. The paper crane, a symbol of hope, peace, and happiness, carries a special meaning. Legend says that folding 1,000 of them can make a wish come true. We invite everyone to join us every other Saturday at noon or stop by the reference desk any time to fold a crane and add your touch to this meaningful display.” Victoria, Head of Circulation: “The highlight of this year at the library for me so far has been the ‘Tune In: Music Class at the Library’ program I had the chance to host in April. MuHIGHLIGHTS | SEE PAGE 9 Sunday Monday Tuesday PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-5 P.M. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Closed 7:30 - 11 P.M. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $11.00 Price includes Roller Skates Private Parties 11 - 3 P.M. 12 - 5 P.M. 8:30 - 11 P.M. 12 - 9 P.M. $10.00 $10.00 $11.00 Adult Night - 18+ Only $10.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com 18+ Adults Only - ID Required ment agency will ever threaten arrest over the phone, via text or email, or demand you pay a fine using one of these means,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “These are tell-tale signs of a scam. If you receive one of these calls or messages, disconnect right away, don’t click on any links and never provide any personal or financial information.” In addition to notifying law enforcement, individuals can also report these — and other — scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https:// reportfraud.ftc.gov/. According to the FTC, the agency received over 5,900 reports of government imposter scams from Massachusetts residents alone in 2024, resulting in more than $9.5 million in losses. In the first quarter of 2025, the FTC has already received 1,530 such reports, with residents losing nearly $2.5 million.
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