Coronavirus: Plymouth County DA Tim Cruz Warns Of Scam

PLYMOUTH, MA — The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office is warning of a scam that has targeted South Shore and Rockland residents in recent weeks. The scam — often called the "grandparent" scam based on its targeting of the elderly — involves someone being contacted unsolicited and told that they need to send money to help a relative in trouble.

"Coronavirus and social distancing are not going to stop those determined of taking advantage of unsuspecting victims out to steal a person's vital personal and financial information," Plymouth County DA Tim Cruz said. "During this pandemic, we are all working daily to stay healthy and safe, and we need to practice this same vigilance every time we pick up the phone while operating online."

The recent scam involves grandparents being contacted and told that a grandchild is under arrest and needs bail money. When the victim calls back, they are forwarded to someone claiming to be the grandchild's attorney.

The Massachusetts Senior Medicated Patrol Program also alerted seniors to fraudulent groups claiming to offer door-to-door coronavirus testing. Seniors are advised never to accept unsolicited attempts to test for coronavirus door-to-door, or provide financial information to anyone offering a door-to-door testing program.

All residents are also asked to be careful about verifying legitimate charities that are related to the coronavirus health crisis.

Anyone who believes they might be a victim of a scam is asked to contact their local police departments. More information on how to spot scams is available here.

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