ELKINS — The City of Elkins is warning residents about an ongoing telephone scam involving fraudsters trying to solicit money by impersonating Elkins City Police Chief Travis Bennett.

Reports to the Elkins Police Department indicate that at least one person has been calling businesses and falsely identifying themselves as Bennett before requesting money, according to a press statement from the City of Elkins. 

“EPD has not, does not and will not solicit payments or donations over the phone,” the statement reads.

The scam calls have been reported since the Fourth of July weekend, officials said.

“There have been no reports yet of anyone losing money, but we would like to end this ASAP,” Elkins City Communication Manager Leon Kaye wrote in a statement to The Inter-Mountain on Monday.

If residents or businesses receive such a call, or text, the City press release advises them to:

* Hang up the phone immediately.

* Do not provide any personal or financial information.

* Report suspicious calls to the Elkins Police Department at 304-636-0678.

The EPD and City of Elkins officials are urging the community to “remain vigilant” and share this advisory with other residents who could be at risk of being targeted by the scam.