Sharon Police Warn Residents To Beware Of 'Grandparents Scam'

SHARON, MA — Sharon police are warning older residents about the scam commonly called the "grandparents scam" that area residents have fallen victim to in recent weeks. The scam involves an older resident being told that a grandchild, niece or nephew is in trouble and that they should send money for bail or lawyer's fees.

Often, those contacted in the scam are told their relative has been involved in a car crash abroad or far away, and told the relative needs between $12,000 and $18.000 in cash or gift cards to gain release.

"These scam artists prey on the emotions and fear that’s created when someone believes a loved one is in trouble and needs help," Sharon police said. "Often the scammer asks to come to your residence to pick up the cash, often saying they are with a 'bail bonds' company."

Sharon police said the scammers gain the background information from monitoring a younger person on social media, so they have access to true details about their lives that helps make the scam seem legitimate.

Police said if anyone is in jail, a call for assistance would typically come from the person in jail. Sharon police said they never make a call on behalf of a prisoner.

"If you receive a call of this kind and a request for cash, please take a moment and try to learn the identity of the person who's contacting you to determine the validity and ask to speak to your loved one," Sharon police said. "Ask for the phone number of the jail they are being held and for the name of the jail. Please do not provide banking information to anyone over the phone or through email and never give cash to someone you cannot identify absolutely."

Sharon police said anyone with any doubt about a request for money should contact local police before making any payments.