Identity Thieves Posing as UPS Workers...

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Some unsuspecting residents are on the receiving end of some phony phone calls that could leave their bank accounts dry.

Identity thieves are posing as UPS workers but the only thing they're delivering is deception.

Chris George, manager of the UPS Store in Springfield has been fielding phone calls from concerned customers. Scammers have skimmed the 1-800 phone number of his Sixteen Acres store to call unsuspecting residents across western Massachusetts, hoping to steal someone's identity.

"We got a call from a gentleman in Amherst saying he had received a phone call from a party alleging they were from UPS or package delivery service, trying to obtain and confirm his address in hopes of getting more personal information," said George.

Fortunately the man had his guard up and scared the swindler away. Meantime, Springfield police are working the phones to try and trap the thieves.

"Reputable companies do not look to the Internet or phone for date of birth or bank accounts, that's not how business is done," said Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney. This shady business is not only over the phone lines, but online as well.

"We have gotten word from UPS there's a separate e-mail scam," recalled George.That scam was sent to the inboxes of 22News employees with an embedded virus. It could take some time to find these perpetrators, possibly hiding anywhere across the world.