NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Newport Police Department said the public should be aware of a phone scam in which the scammers pretend to be members of the department. The department said the scammers will introduce themselves as a police officer and will sometimes use the name of an actual member of the Newport department, and will also “spoof” their caller ID to appear as the department. They will then say they have “legal documents” that need to be signed and may also mention an apparent sexual assault case where a failure to appear warrant was issued. The victim will then be asked to purchase a gift card or Bitcoin and provide those codes over the phone to cancel the warrant. The department said that it and the City of Newport will never request personal information or payment over the phone. Anyone who believes they have received a scam call is asked to contact 401-847-1306. Categories: Newport, News, Rhode Island