fyi
Joined: Thu, Aug 9 2012, 9:19 am EDT
Posts: 889
|
 Posted: Thu, Mar 25 2021, 11:22 am EDT Post subject: Cranbury Police warns of increase in "Grandchild in Distress" scams |
 |
|
Cranbury Police warns of increase in "Grandchild in Distress" telephone scams occurring statewide and cautions of other scams.
The Cranbury Police would like to inform you of a recent increase in telephone scams targeting the elderly, specifically the "Grandchild in Distress" scam. In this scam, an elderly victim receives a frantic call from someone either posing as their grandchild, a law enforcement officer, or an attorney. The caller will make claims that a grandchild was arrested and needs immediate help and money to be released from jail. The caller uses pressure techniques that confuse or frighten the victims into giving them money.
Typically the caller will direct the victim to wire or mail the funds, but more recently the scammers have been traveling to the victim's home to pick up cash. This scam has resulted in significant losses to numerous elderly NJ residents.
Also be aware of these additional scams:
- Driveway paving / blacktop sealing / repair scam: In these cases, scammers will often approach the victim claiming they are working in the area and have extra materials to blacktop seal their driveway. The scammers will offer a "good" price to complete the work, often requesting to be paid first. The scammers then either do substandard work, use poor quality materials, or pressure the victims into additional money for the labor. Use caution when hiring contractors, check their references, or check online with the Better Business Bureau. Sign contracts for work to be performed.
-IRS Phone Scams: It's tax season. Don't fall prey to scammers posing as IRS agents claiming warrants have been issued for your arrest. The scammers usually leave messages and request a return phone call. The scammers will sound authoritative and threatening. Don't given any personal information over the phone. Hang up, or disregard these telephone calls.
Utility worker scams: Scammers approach the victims, usually elderly people, and lure them out of their house with a ploy to "check the property line" or "check these trees that we have to cut for the utility wires". Or, a scammer will advised the elderly victim that they have to check pipes in the basement. Once distracted, a second party enters the house and quickly steals valuables from within. If you encounter a "utility" worker, check their credentials, call the company they claim to represent, or call the police to confirm their activities.
Computer scams: Always be weary of falling victim to computer scammers. Often someone receives a call or email from someone claiming to be from a big company, (Ie. Microsoft, or Amazon) The scammers seek to gain entry into your computer to "fix" issues or "viruses". Don't give these scammers personal information or access to your information. Protect your passwords and personal information at all times. Independently confirm all unknown callers regardless of their intent of the call or solicitation. Be cautious of recorded messages directing you to websites.
Car thefts: Surrounding towns have been hit with car thieves lately targeting high end vehicles. Remove the spare key fob from your vehicles and keep them secured. Lock your car doors! Please be vigilant, report suspicious activities, and don't keep valuables in plain sight in your cars.
The Cranbury Police work hard to track these scams in our area. We don't want to see any of our residents fall victims to these crimes. So when in doubt, call! We would rather take the call to check the legitimacy of a company / solicitation / caller than to take the report of someone being victimized.
As always,
Stay Safe!
Michael J. Owens
Chief of Police / OEM Coordinator |
|
