MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester residents are being targeted again by the “grandparent scam,” Manchester police say, and they want residents to know the signs to protect themselves.
The Manchester Township Police Department said it has received numerous calls about the scam recently.
It involves someone calling an older person and saying their grandchild has been involved in a serious motor vehicle crash and arrested, and now needs money for bail. The caller will then tell the victim how much money is needed to post bail for the grandchild and will coordinate a transfer of the money, either in person, through a postal service, or through a wire transfer.
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“Unfortunately, we have had cases where the victims completed the transaction and did not realize it was a scam until afterward,” police said. “In other cases, we have prevented the transaction/meet-up from ever occurring due to our involvement or have arrested the courier.”
“If you get a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer, an attorney, or other persons demanding money and/or gift cards and threatening arrest, it’s a SCAM,” police said.
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“Never agree to meet up, complete any transaction, or provide any personal information without first verifying that your relative is truly in need of assistance,” police said.
“The best way to do this is to HANG UP…
