New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
On Saturday, January 26, an elderly Wareham resident received a phone call from a male saying their grandson was in jail and needed money to secure his release. The elderly victim was then told to go to Lowes and Home Depot to purchase gift cards, which they thought would be used for their grandson’s release from jail. The victim then took out $6,000 from their bank account and $4,000 from their credit card to purchase the gift cards. The suspect then contacted the victim again requesting the codes on the gift cards. In total, the victim was scammed for $10,000. The Wareham Police Detective Division is actively investigating the case.
The Wareham Police Department reminds everyone to be on the alert for scammers. If you did not initiate the call, do not give out personal information and beware of anyone requesting that information over the phone. There are various twists to this including telling the victim a relative has been kidnapped, hurt, or in some kind of trouble. If you think a loved one is in trouble contact the police. Again do not give out any information and if you believe you have been the victim of a scam contact the police department.
If you are a business and the purchase of a several thousand dollar gift card seems out of place, please question it so these thieves can be stopped!
