Telephone Scam Targeting Seniors

The Shelton Police Department is warning people about telephone scams targeting senior citizens. A caller pretending to be a grandchild or some type of officer calls and claims that their grandchild was arrested and needs money to get out of jail and for legal fees. The senior citizen is then advised to wire the money. 

Police are advising citizens to be suspicious when you receive a telephone call where a person calls and does not use a name, but says something like “It's your grandson.” Also be suspicious if the person says they are in trouble and ask for money to be wired.

If someone receives a suspicious call, police advice you to verify the identity and location of the person claiming to be in trouble. Call another family member who can confirm the person's whereabouts. Also, try to contact the person. 

Do not wire money unless you have verified with another family member or friend that the person is truly in trouble. Most importantly, never give out any personal identifying information such as bank account or credit card numbers to anyone who calls you on the phone.

Wiring money is like sending cash: there are no protections for the sender. Typically, there is no way you can reverse the transaction, trace the money, or recover payment from the scammer.