New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“Since June 2020, authorities have been actively investigating an elder exploitation scam commonly referred to as the Grandparent Bail Scam.
The scam occurs when a caller contacts an elderly victim and portrays themselves as the grandchild of the victim and advises the victim they have been involved in a serious motor vehicle accident, have been arrested, and require money for bail. The caller or a purported attorney or paralegal will then advise the victim how much money is required to post bail for the grandchild and will coordinate a transfer of the money through the following three methods:
1) Money is collected in person from victims by a courier – often times a receipt is provided.
2) Money is sent by the victim mainly through UPS and FedEx.
3) Money is sent by the victim through wire transfer.
Do not send or transfer money if contacted and please report this to Seekonk PD so we may forward the information to the investigating agencies. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to give us a call.
