Marblehead Seniors Warned Of Increased Scam Attempts

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead police are warning residents about an uptick in a scam that attempts to prey on older adults.

The so-called "grandparent scam" involves someone claiming to be a grandchild or someone from law enforcement calling on the grandchild's behalf. The person claims the grandchild has been in an accident or is in trouble in some way and needs help in the form of money via wire transfer.

"Scammers will pray on your emotions," Marblehead police said. "They will say something like: 'You are the only one I trust,' and beg you not to tell anybody about the call."

If you say you don't recognize the voice, they may claim a broken nose, that they've been crying or are suffering from allergies.

Scammers will often use social media to get information about a grandchild or the grandparent that they use to make the story more convincing.

"Don't fall for it!" police said. "If you have senior family members, please warn them about this scam. You should come up with a family code word so you can verify the caller is really a family member."

Police said anyone asking that you send money via Western Union or Money Gram should be a tip-off of a scam.

Those who believe they have been targeted in a scam should call Marblehead police at 781-631-1212.

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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.)