Woburn Police Warn Residents Of 'Family Member In Jail Scam'

WOBURN, MA—The Woburn Police Department is warning residents to not fall for the popular "family member in jail" scam. According to officers, they've continued to see a large increase in these types of scams statewide.

"We have not taken any reports here recently but that could change any day," police said on their official Facebook page. "Please talk to your elderly family members about this scam since they are most often the targets."

Police said the scam involves a caller who usually says they are an attorney. This fake attorney reports a family member is in jail as a result of an arrest. The caller will say that thousands of dollars are needed to have the family member released. The caller will arrange for a "courier" to pick up the cash payment; however, officers said don't fall for it.

"This is an obvious scam which so many have fallen victim to. Don't let your family members fall victim to this scam, make them aware that this is going around," police stressed.

If you believe you've been the target of scam, contact the Woburn Police Department.

The Federal Trade Commission also offers these tips:

• Resist the urge to act immediately – no matter how dramatic the story is.
• Verify the caller's identity - Ask questions that a stranger couldn't possibly answer. Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine. Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you've been told to keep it a secret.
• Don't send cash, gift cards, or money transfers – once the scammer gets the money, it's gone!

If you get a scam call, you can also report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.