The so-called grandparent scam in which con artists try to defraud senior citizens is recirculating, according to Jamestown police.
The scam usually starts with a phone call. A con artist posing as a grandchild pretends to be in trouble, often arrested, and says they are in urgent need of money. This request could be for bail or other legal expenses. The scammer also might pose as someone on behalf of the grandchild (lawyer, relative, close friend, police officer). Other alleged problems include car accident, stolen credit card, missing wallet and lost airline ticket.
The scammers sometimes advise the grandparent to withdraw money from their bank. They also might tell the victim not to disclose the reason for the withdrawal to the bank teller. Police are urging residents not to give or send money to these scammers, whether they request cash, gifts cards or electronic check.
Warwick police arrested two men Friday for their alleged involvement in the “grandparent scam.” The suspects told their victim to deliver the money to them via courier. After a complaint was filed by the unsuspecting “grandparent,” police conducted a controlled delivery to catch the men in the act.
