Disturbing New Wrinkle To Old North Shore Scam

DANVERS, MA — A disturbing new wrinkle could make a common scam aimed at the elderly more believable and difficult to trace.

Danvers police are reporting an increase on the so-called "grandparents scam" across the North Shore in which an older resident is contacted and told they need to send money to help get a grandchild, niece or nephew out of trouble.

The scam typically involves someone posing as a police officer or bail bondsman — and sometimes even the younger relative himself or herself — requesting money be wired and pleas that other relatives not be notified.

While wire transfers are difficult to retrieve, scammers have been caught through sting operations when police assist the elderly resident with a wire transfer and are poised to question the scammer when he or she receives the funds.

Only Danvers police said recent scams have shown an alarming workaround where the scammer convinces the elderly resident to allow them to pick up the cash directly.

"These recent incidents have differed than the typical scam because suspects/couriers are coming to the victim's home and picking up cash in person, instead of requesting wire transfers or gift cards provided over the phone," police said.

Police ask that area residents "please have a conversation with your elderly family members, friends and neighbors to help prevent victimization" and report any money sent that is believed to be fraudulent.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)