Scam Alert: Woburn Police Warn Of "Family Member In Jail" Scams

WOBURN, MA — The Woburn Police Department warned Monday about an uptick in the "family member in jail" scam. In a Facebook post, the department said there has been a recent increase in the scam in Massachusetts.

In this scam, a scammer calls a victim saying a family member has been arrested and urgently needs money, "for attorney's fees, court fees, or bail/bond." THe scammer demands thousands of dollars.

"The scammer will usually want cash be mailed overnight to a location or they will arrange for a cash pick up at the victim's residence," the department wrote. "They may say a bail bondsman or courier service will pick up the money."

In a similar phone scam, the scammer says a relative has been involved in an accident and needs money for property damages or hospital bills.

"These scams usually target the elderly so spread the word to your loved ones so that they [do not] become a victim," the department asked.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.