Sept. 29, 2023

FRAUDULENT “OPEN ALCOHOL CONTAINER” EXTORTION CALLS

The URI Police Department is investigating a recent uptick in “Open Container Violation” extortion calls. There have been numerous incidents where a family member or friend has received a call from a Rhode Island phone number stating that a loved one had been arrested on “open container charges.” The caller then attempts to extort
money from the family member or friend to resolve the issue. The payment is requested through an app such as Venmo or Chime and the amount requested varies, such as $290 or $278.

This is under investigation, and it appears the scammer is targeting individuals on athletics teams.

If you receive a call and have any questions about whether it is an extortion scheme, contact the URI Police at 401-874-4910 or call 911 immediately.