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Elderly Trumbull Man Nearly Loses $8,500 In 'Grandparent Scam'

TRUMBULL, Conn. -- An elderly Trumbull man almost lost $8,500 after scammers convinced him that his grandson had been arrested in Boston, according to police.

Trumbull Police are warning resident to be on the lookout for scammers who claim that a grandchild or other relative has been arrested.

Trumbull Police are warning resident to be on the lookout for scammers who claim that a grandchild or other relative has been arrested.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman

The Trumbull man received a call on June 1 from a man who claimed to be an officer in the Boston Police Department, telling him that his son was in jail after having been arrested for drunken driving. The caller said the Trumbull man needed to send $8,500 for bond money to an address in Boston. The man did as requested and sent the money through the mail.

Police said that shortly afterwards, the grandfather was able to get in touch with a family member and learned that this grandson had not been arrested and that this was a scam. 

The Trumbull Police Department was notified and got in touch with the U.S. Postal Service. The Postal Inspection Service in Boston was able to intercept the piece of mail, preventing the money from being lost. The matter remains under investigation.

Police said that law enforcement agencies regularly receive reports of this activity, which has been dubbed "The Grandparent Scheme." Callers pretend to the grandchild, an attorney or another official, and ask for money to be sent via a wire transfer or mail to pay for bond or medical treatments.

If you suspect you are being scammed, Trumbull Police suggest that you slow down, remain calm, get the caller's information and tell them you'll call them back. Try to get in touch with the grandchild or other relatives to confirm, and call the police agency involved to get confirmation. Tell the caller you will have someone deliver the money in person. If you are still unable to confirm, contact your local police for assistance.

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