Two police agencies — Bethlehem and Albany — put out releases this week warning residents of ongoing scams.

“An age-old criminal trend has recently resurfaced in the area,” said the Bethlehem Police, describing criminals posing as repairmen, often for National Grid, contacting a homeowner and stating they are investigating a leak or service outage, “complete with flashing lights on their vehicles and cones in the roadway.”

Elderly residents are often targeted. The fake worker talks the homeowner into going to the basement to check their service while a second person enters the home to burglarize it, often undetected by the homeowner in the basement.

“The Bethlehem Police would like to remind you that no one should access your home for repairs before proper vetting with the appropriate company,” the release said. “If there is ever a question, call the police and we will assist you in this process.”

Albany phone scam

At the same time, Albany Police have received reports of a current phone scam in which the caller identifies himself as an officer with the Albany Police Department.

“The caller on the other end of the line told them that they have an outstanding warrant and they need to take care of it,” the release said. “The victims are also reporting that the caller told them that, if payment was not made, they would be arrested.”

The release went on, “The Albany Police Department will never ask for financial or credit card information over the phone. If you receive one of these scam phone calls, hang up immediately.”

The Albany Police also listed these safety tips:

— Never provide personal, credit, or banking information to an unknown person calling, texting, or emailing you;

— Be aware of pressuring techniques, such as needing to give information on the spot; and

— Call the Albany Police at 518-438-4000 if you believe someone is attempting to defraud you.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer