The Anne Arundel County Police Department has received three reports of a money scam. Individuals are targeting the elderly community and calling the residence posing as the victim’s loved one, claiming to have been arrested and in need of bail money. In one case, the victim withdrew a large amount of funds and gave it to a person sent by the scammer posing to be a courier service for a fictitious lawyer. In two other cases the victims did not comply with the demands of the caller. This is a fraud scheme used to play on emotions of people, usually who are older and have younger relatives such as grandchildren or nieces/nephews.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a relative or friend in trouble and needing bail money or emergency funds, do not immediately give or electronically transfer large sums of money without confirming with other family members. Take the time to verify the claim; check with other relatives or call the loved one directly to check on his or her welfare.
Calls of this nature should be reported to police immediately.
Please share this information with relatives and friends, especially those who may not have access to social media. These scams are taking advantage of folks who naturally want to help their relatives and may not be able to recognize that the caller is not who they say they are.
