Grandparent Scam in Marblehead: Police

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead police on Wednesday issued a scam alert involving a caller who targets elderly victims and claims his/her grandchild has been arrested and needs bail money.

The scam has been reported in Marblehead in previous years; police said it resurfaced again this week.

"If you get a call saying your grandchild is under arrest and needs bail money to get out ... think twice before you send any money," police said in a statement. "We feel silly even putting up this post but some of these scammers are so believable that people still fall for it.

"When someone is arrested, they are allowed to use the phone to arrange for bail money. If in doubt, always look up the name and number of the police department that is supposedly holding your loved one and ask them to verify it. Another good idea, call one or more of your family members and find out where your loved one really is."

Photo: Shutterstock