Marblehead Police Seek Banks' Help In Battling 'Grandparent' Scam

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead police are seeking help from local banks — including intervention from bank employees when appropriate — in an effort to battle cases of senior citizens falling for the so-called "grandparent" scam that police said is occurring in "greater and alarming intensity than usual over the last two months."

"Staggering amounts of money have been stolen from decent, unsuspecting people trying to do what they believe is right," police said in a community notice. "Often, the money is not able to be recovered."

While several local departments have warned residents to be wary of the scam in recent months, Marblehead police are taking the extra step of asking local banks to get involved and even intervene to attempt to stop an elderly victim from losing money.

"We realize there is a fine line between people's banking privacy and intrusiveness but if someone who rarely, if ever, is asking to withdraw a large amount of cash, a few cursory questions from a caring, local bank official could prevent someone from becoming a crime victim," police said, adding that flyers warning of the scam were being sent to banks to post inside their offices and at ATM locations.

The scam typically involves someone purporting to be a grandchild, niece or nephew calling an older relative and telling them they have been in an accident, arrested or involved in some other situation where they need immediate financial help. The imposter will often plead with the older relative not to tell anyone else about the situation.

Because of information on social media, scammers have become skilled at making these calls believable to elderly targets. They may pose as a bail bondsman, an attorney, a court official or a member of law enforcement. The victims are asked to withdraw a large amount of money and either wire the money to a destination or give it to a courier who comes to their home.

"In every case, the caller was not who they purported to be, a loved one was not in jail, and the money is never seen again," Marblehead police said. "Please remember, everyone has a right to use the telephone when they have been arrested. Time is not of the essence.

"Slow down. Think with reason and purpose, not emotion."

Marblehead police urge banks and residents to call them if they believe they have been targeted or victimized in this type of scam.

"We can assist, both in speaking with the customer, making calls to the alleged detention facility or even to the scammer," police said. "In all cases, these incidents should be reported to law enforcement."

"We are all in this together — we need to be wary, and keep each other from falling victim."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)