Two seniors are out several thousands of dollars after reportedly falling for con artists seeking funds to get the victim’s injured “grandson” out of jail.
The separate incidents each happened Tuesday and involved victims in their 80s.
In both cases, the victim received a phone call from someone who claimed to be their grandson, who had been involved in collisions and “injured their noses, which is why they sounded different,” a police news release explains.
“At this time, it is unknown if the incidents are related,” the release states.
Phone calls also involved an individual who claimed to be a lawyer and another who purported to be a police officer, seeking cash in order to secure the “grandson’s” release from jail.
In each incident, a person attended the victim’s home to pick up the cash – one victim handed over $8,000 and the other provided $6,000.
One victim described the cash collector as a Black man in his early 20s, about 5’6” to 5’10” tall, with a slim build. The other victim reported handing money to a Black man and a female with dreadlocks who arrived in an older-model grey sedan, possibly a Toyota, with tinted windows.
As a result of the reports, police officials remind residents to be cautious when dealing with people on the phone, “even if you believe you know who you are talking to.”
The following tips were also provided:
- Never send or give money to people you are not sure you know
- Take the time to verify the story
- If the story involves a loved one, try to contact that person on your own or ask questions only they would be able to answer
- Never volunteer personal information to callers.
