Stratford Police Warn Of ‘Heartstring Scams’

STRATFORD, CT — As part of a new weekly feature, Stratford police are warning residents of “heartstring scams.”

Stratford police plan to highlight a new scam weekly based on what reports they are receiving in town.

“We hope that it will help to educate unsuspecting victims so they may become more aware and recognize the warning signs,” police wrote in a post on Facebook.

Read more from the police department below:

Heartstrings Scams

Commonly known as the “Grandparent's Scheme.” The perpetrator preys on the complainant's "heartstrings" by pretending to be a grandchild, niece, nephew, etc. that is in trouble, injured, and/or “stuck abroad” and in need of money. Oftentimes they will ask the victim NOT to contact their parents for fear of getting trouble.

What you can do:

• Verify who you are speaking with, ask them their name - the perpetrator likely does not know your family member’s name and will simply say “it’s your grandson/daughter” and wait for you to provide them with the name.
• Ask them to tell you specific information, or any info that only your family member would know.
• Check the phone number that called you, do you recognize it? If not, do not answer - if it’s important they will leave a message.
• Consider setting up a “verbal password” with your family members, a simple word (not a pet’s name or something easily guessed) that when asked can confirm that the person on the other end of communication is actually your family.
• NEVER give out banking/personal information over the phone.
• Although they may not want you to, it is best to verify with the parents/guardians that the children are actually “away,” “hurt” or “in trouble.”