The Grandparents Scam: What You Need To Know

MADISON, CT — "James, is this you?"

This is an ugly scam. And heartbreaking, too. Police across the state are cautioning that there's a "new twist" on the so-called 'grandparents scam.'

Police explain:

In the standard a grandparent scam, you get a call from a person claiming to be a grandchild of yours. The phone connection is bad, difficult to hear and often provokes the Grandparent to say something to the effect of, 'James, is this you?'

Now, the 'fake' James now pretends to be the 'real' James, and convinces the grandparent that they're in trouble and need money, likely bail money and often put a 'fake' police officer on the line to discuss he severity of the grandchild’s 'fake' crime. The grandparent then feels compelled to help and provide money by way of wire or gift card to the grandchild to help them out.

Here's the new twist, police say:

"The scammers are now calling from what looks like local police departments on caller ID, even using names of local officers. They will send a courier to the house or someone pretending to be a plainclothes officer to collect the money.

If you receive a call like this, immediately hang up. It is easy to check the internet for the correct phone number to your local police department.

In Madison, the number is 203-245-2721 Police say to call the real police number to confirm if they're actually trying to reach you.

Police say these grandparent scams "bilk unsuspecting loved ones of millions of dollars each year" and ask people to speak to their loved ones and family about this scam, spread the word to friends, share it on social media.

"The only way to prevent these crimes is to educate those that are victimized due to the kindness of their hearts," Guilford Police posted on Facebook.