Elderly Hingham Woman Scammed Out Of $9,000: Police

HINGHAM, MA — An elderly Hingham woman was scammed out of over 9,000 in two days by a man pretending to be from the Social Security Administration, according to police. Police said the 67-year-old woman received a call on June 18 from the man, who told her he was investigating her for money laundering and drug distribution charges.

The man demanded she purchase $6,500 worth of Target gift cards or else she'd be arrested, according to police. Police said he also demanded her cellphone and social security numbers, which the woman complied to.

Over the next five hours, the man called the woman constantly as she purchased the gift cards at stores in Hanover and Braintree and gave him the codes, according to police. The next day, the woman withdrew all the money in her bank account except for $50 and bought another $2,677 worth of gift cards, police said. Police said the woman didn't realize she was being scammed until a bank manager became suspicious and called police.

Following the incident, Hingham police asked that residents be careful who they give their information to and to warn family and friends.

"Remember, no one from the Social Security Administration will ever call you and ask for your number," Hingham police said in a statement. "No government agency will ever threaten to arrest you on the phone. No government agency will accept or demand payment in the form of gift cards ... Also, note that the woman was purchasing numerous gift cards and remained on the phone with the scammer. If you notice this in a store, particularly in an elderly person, please speak up to an employee. You may prevent them from becoming a victim."