Twist on grandparent scam bilks two York Maine residents of $30K

YORK, Maine — An age-old scam has a new look, police say, as scammers known for asking elderly people to wire them money have recently been collecting funds in person.

York police say they are investigating two cases in which individuals were conned into giving thousands of dollars to scammers through what has become known as the “grandparent scam.” The scam has historically involved calling elderly people to say their relative was in trouble and in need of funds.

Typically, scammers ask the money to be wired or sent by MoneyGram, according to Patrol Sgt. Luke Ernenwein. What was different with the two new cases, he said, was that the scam involved someone appearing at the victims’ home to personally pick up the money.

“People were actually locally picking up, trying to locally pick up, the funds,” Ernenwein said.

One victim gave $18,000 to a scammer, according to York Detective Sgt. Thomas Cryan, the other $12,000. York police say there were four other similar scams that took place in surrounding communities.