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Braintree police warn of phone scam that targets the elderly

Print | Comments () Posted by Jessica Bartlett March 12, 2013 03:50 PM

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By Jessica Bartlett, Town Correspondent

Braintree police are warning residents of a scam involving the elderly.

According to police, an 84-year-old Braintree woman said that a person claiming to be her grandson called her on Tuesday. The person said he had been arrested in California and that he needed money for bail.

The person said a second individual would call with more details. A short while later, a second person called and said her grandson needed $2,024. This person said a third individual with Western Union instructions.

After speaking with a third person, the woman wired the money to an address she was given.

A Western Union operator recognized the name provided by the woman and realized it was a scam. The employee called police and the woman was returned the money she had wired.

“This is a common scam by individuals who prey on the elderly,” said Chief Russell Jenkins in a release. “Residents receiving calls of this nature should double and triple check with other family members before wiring money.”