New Scam Targets Elderly Citizens: Sheriff

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office warned residents this week of a scam that has been reported recently that targets elderly citizens. The crime involves the scammer posing as a grandchild of the victim in order to steal money.

"The 'grandchild' tells their grandparent that they have been in an accident and/or they are in jail and need bond money," Sgt. Joni Money of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said. "They will then tell the grandparent that an attorney will call them to pick up the money. The grandparent meets with the supposed 'attorney' and gives them the requested cash. Later the grandparent finds out that their grandchild is fine and has not been in jail or in an accident."

One of the cash exchanges was caught on video September 9 at the Flying J gas station in McCalla, Money said. The suspect met the victim and took $14,000 in cash and left the scene. The vehicle in this instance was possibly a black SUV with dark tinted windows, and the suspect appeared to be of Middle Eastern or Indian descent but had no discernible accent.

"This is a despicable attack on the love grandparents have for their grandchildren and we will not tolerate this," Money said.

Money added, "If you actually need to bail someone out of jail, you will need to come to the jail and sign paperwork having the person released."

Anyone who has received a call of this nature is asked to call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office directly at 205-325-1450 and verify the information given.