Massachusetts State Police warn residents about new “Grandparent Scam” circulating

BEWARE OF ‘GRANDPARENT SCAM!

We would like to take an opportunity to warn Massachusetts residents about the so-called “Grandparent Scam.” The scam typically involves someone purporting to be a grandchild, niece or nephew calling an older person. The caller states that he or she has been in a vehicle crash, arrested, or some other situation where they need immediate financial help.

The imposter will often plead with the older relative to send or wire a large amount money and asks that they not tell anyone else about the situation. Scammers also may pose as a bail bondsman, an attorney, a court official or a member of law enforcement.

Because of information available on social media, scammers have become skilled at making these calls believable to elderly targets. They sometimes will know the names or hometowns of the call recipients other family members and will say them in conversation to make themselves sound believable. Please don’t be fooled by it.

The Massachusetts State Police are aware of 36 residents of our state who have fallen victim to this scam in recent years who were swindled out of a total of more than $230,000. We suspect that there are many more victims who do not realize they were scammed or are too embarrassed to come forward.

We urge local residents to not be fooled by such calls and not to engage the caller in conversation. Rather, just hang up and report the call to an actual family member and to your local police department.” -Massachusetts State Police.