Norwood PD Warns Seniors About 'Grandparent Scam'

NORWOOD, MA — Norwood police are warning residents to be vigilant about the calls they take as another elderly resident was targeted in what's being called "the grandparents scam." The call came to the resident last week — police said the scammers try to scam the residents out of money.

Police said an older resident received a call from someone she thought was her grandson, who claimed he was in trouble and needed money. As with most of the 'grandparent scams' someone else got on the call before there could be much more conversation, leaving the victim with the impression that she had actually spoken with her grandson.

The callers will usually pose as a bail bondsman or a lawyer, and ask for money to help get the relative out of trouble. Police said the Norwood woman provided several thousand dollars to the scammers, thinking it was for her grandchild.

If someone calls you claiming to be a relative that is in trouble with the police, the Norwood police said you can call the department and let them help you. Or you can simply take the caller’s number, hang up and call the relative himself at his or her number. "Last week, as with most cases, the caller told the resident not to tell anyone about her grandson’s situation," Norwood police said, "No legitimate lawyer would ever say that."

Police are urging residents to share the news of the scam with older residents to keep them informed.