Man Bilked Bucks Co. Couple Out Of $12K In 'Grandson Scam': Police

WARRINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA ? A 26-year-old Reading man is in custody, charged with scamming a Warrington couple out of $12,000 with the so-called "Grandson Scam."

The incident happened in 2022 when the couple reported that they had been tricked into giving $12,000 in cash to a scammer claiming their grandson was involved in a serious car accident. Police said the scammer posed as a hospital employee and convinced the victims to withdraw and hand over money for supposed legal costs.

Police said the suspect picked up the cash in person, leaving behind a fake receipt. The victims later verified with Massachusetts General Hospital that it was a scam and contacted the police.

Investigators collected DNA evidence from the scene, which led to the identification of Engherber
Perez-Jimenez, 26, of Reading.

An arrest warrant was issued in May and Perez-Jimenez turned himself in on May 21. He was arraigned with bail set at $100,000 and remains in custody.

He is charged with five third-degree felonies - theft by deception, identity theft, receiving stolen property, criminal use of a communication facility, and theft by deception - false impression.

Authorities remind the public that no legitimate agency will ever request cash or gift cards for emergencies. If contacted in such a way, report it to the police immediately.