Full Notification

Grandparent scams have been on the rise in recent weeks within Middlesex County. Recently on January 23, 2023, South Plainfield PD arrested two individuals for scamming an elderly victim for $6,000 because he thought his grandson needed bail money. After receiving the payment, the scammers requested an additional $5,000.

This is a common tactic for the grandparent scam. The caller will pose as a grandchild and explain in a frantic-sounding voice that he or she is in trouble. They will allege there was an accident, an arrest, or a robbery. The caller may also pose as an attorney or law enforcement calling on behalf of a grandchild in trouble.

To protect yourself and others from this scam, consider the following:

* Do not get flustered, take time to think. The scammer will make the situation seem urgent to pressure you.

* Do not confirm any personal or financial information. Scammers fish for facts to utilize to their benefit. If the caller says, “It’s me, Grandpa!,” don’t reply and say your grandchild’s name.

* Verify who is calling (offer to call back using the phone number you have for that person). Scammers will use programs to appear as if they call from a trusted number.

* Call someone you trust or the police for an opinion about the call. Scammers will say they don’t want anyone to know because they are embarrassed.

* Do not send any cash, wire money, or provide numbers from gift cards or cash-reload cards to a person claiming to be a grandchild. Trust bank employees that warn you that you may be a victim of a scam.

Please call 9-1-1 or your local police department if you believe you are being victimized. If you sent money to a suspected scammer via Western Union, call the company’s fraud hotline at 800-448-1492. If you used MoneyGram, call 800-926-9400. If the transfer has not yet been paid, they may be able to stop the transaction and refund your money.

Instructions:

FRAUD ALERT: THE GRANDPARENT SCAM
Please see attached.