Huntington Herald

Shelton police warn of scams targeting senior citizens

Last Updated on Friday, 17 February 2012 14:48 Written by The Huntington Herald
Friday, 17 February 2012 14:43

The Shelton Police Department is warning residents about telephone scams targeting senior citizens.

Recently the police department received two reports in which seniors citizens were victims of telephone scams.

A caller pretending to be a grandchild or some type of officer calls and claims that their grandchild was arrested and needs money to get out of jail and for legal fees. The senior citizen is then advised to wire the money.

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One of the Shelton victims wired about $2,500, according to Lt. Robert Kozlowsky.

Wiring money is like sending cash; there are no protections for the sender, according to police. Typically, there is no way you can reverse the transaction, trace the money, or recover payment from the scammer.

The Shelton Police Department is advising citizens to be suspicious when you receive a telephone call where a person calls and does not use a name, but says something like, “It's your grandson.” Also be suspicious if the person says they are in trouble and ask for money to be wired.

Police are advising if someone receives a suspicious call to verify the identity and location of the person claiming to be in trouble. Call another family member who can confirm the person's whereabouts. Also, try to contact the person.

Do not wire money unless you have verified with another family member or friend that the person is truly in trouble. Most importantly, never give out any personal identifying information such as bank account or credit card numbers to anyone who calls you on the phone.

Lt. Kozlowsky said scammers sometimes use information posted on Facebook or other websites to seem more believable.

“With people posting so much information online on their whereabouts a scammer might see that someone is taking a trip to Mexico then call relatives and say their grandson is in a Mexican prison,” Lt. Kozlowsky said.

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