March 28, 2024

Newton Police Department issues fraud warning

Across the nation, con artists are scamming grandparents out of thousands of dollars by posing as grandchildren in distress.

Scammers may pose as relatives or friends, calling or sending messages to urge you to wire money immediately. The callers say they need cash to help with an emergency — like getting out of jail, paying a hospital bill or needing to leave a foreign country. Their goal is to trick you into sending money before you realize it’s a scam.

If someone calls or sends a message claiming to be a family member or a friend desperate for money:

• Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.

• Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine.

• Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you’ve been told to keep it a secret.

• Don’t wire money or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier.

• Report possible fraud at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.