Beware of Phone Scams Targeting Grandparents

Senior citizens have been receiving calls in recent weeks from individuals disguising their voices and identifying themselves as their grandchildren in trouble. Callers claim to have been arrested and incarcerated on drug charges needing immediate assistance to get out of jail.  The caller suddenly advises the intended victim that he or she needs money and can’t talk any longer.  A callback number is provided and the caller hangs up the phone.

The grandparent then returns the call and a voice at the other end is an individual who identifies himself as a law enforcement official.  The imposter advises that bail for the grandchild has been set at anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000 but a discount of $2,000 to $3,000 would be offered if the bail is immediately paid. The grandparent is then directed to visit a local supermarket or pharmacy to purchase several thousand dollars of gift cards in amounts ranging from $250 and $500 each.  The grandparent then is told to call the number back a second time, is directed to scratch off the redemption codes from the gift cards, and read them to the scammer. New York City media reported two elderly residents of Long Island and one from Northern New Jersey were victimized by the scam in the past several weeks. Police remind the public that no law enforcement agency or correctional facility accepts gift card redemption codes as payment for bail nor does a county jail provide discounted bail if paid immediately. Authorities urge the public not to fall for the scam and to contact their local police agency, County Sheriff’s Office, or State Police right away if they believe they are being scammed.