Full Notification

Scams are constantly going around.  They're always changing, but some certain types tend to remain popular.
One report from earlier today was regarding a grandchild needing bail money.
The caller stated his name was Michael Roberts from the Public Defender’s Office of Massachusetts.  The phone number displayed was 971-308-0298. Note: That area code is originally from Oregon, and while numbers can be ported anywhere, a Public Defender's Office is unlikely to have an out-of-area phone number.

The caller stated that their grandchild was in jail and needed bail money.

Spoiler alert: the grandchild was not in jail.


If you get a call from somebody stating your grandchild is in jail, or a call from somebody claiming to be your grandchild, and they need bail money, or money for emergency vehicle repairs, hospital bills, etc., be highly skeptical.  Hang up and call them back at a number you know to be theirs or reach out to somebody who will know if they are in jail (perhaps their parents).
Do not give out any personal information over the phone or provide any kind of payment to these scammers.  They'll often ask for bank account numbers, credit/debit card numbers, or maybe have you buy various gift cards at the store and read the card numbers over the phone to handle things.  
Once you do that, that money is gone fast.

For more information on being aware of and avoiding scams, go to https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam