Swampscott Seniors Targeted In 'Grandparent' Scam Calls

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott police are urging the town's senior residents to avoid falling victim to the so-called "grandparent" scam after several residents reported suspicious phone calls requesting money on Monday.

Police said the caller pretends to be a family member — usually a grandchild — in a frantic manner who tells the resident "I'm in trouble," "I need your help," "I need money fast," and "Please, don't tell anybody."

Police said the familiar scam includes the grandchild, family member or friend claiming that they have been arrested, injured or robbed in a big city in a foreign country. They may also hand the phone off to someone purported to be a police officer, lawyer, judge or doctor in an attempt to corroborate the story.

"With the popularity of social media and people willing to share personal information, scammers can learn enough about your family to make their stories sound frighteningly real," Swampscott police said. "Even if the caller begs you not to tell anyone about the situation, it's important that you take the time to check the story."

Police urge anyone receiving a similar call to ask the caller to provide a phone number they can call back, then hang up and call the grandchild in question or another family member who would know that person's whereabouts.

"Be especially wary if the caller is asking you to wire the money immediately because these transfers can be hard to trace," police said. "Once the criminal picks the cash up, and once they get the money, you can't get it back. Remember, it's natural to be concerned but be careful so you don't get caught.

"Unfortunately, residents in the recent past have been victims of this scam and have lost thousands of dollars that are unable to be recovered. Some of our more vulnerable community members may need support around the holidays to avoid issues that come along with these types of scams."

Police asked residents to check in with family and friends in town who might be susceptible to a call like this, and call Swampscott police at 781-595-1111 if they believe they were a victim of one of these types of calls.

(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.)