Police Warn of Phone Scam Targeting Local Grandparents

Police are warning Barnegat residents to be wary after learning seniors in the area have fallen victim to phone scams aimed at individuals with grandchildren.

In a press release issued yesterday, police said the scam typically involves either a claim that the victim's grandchild is in trouble and needs money or that the grandchild is in jail and needs to make bail. The scammer sometimes impersonates the grandchild, said police, or might claim to be a foreign government official.

The scam usually culminates in a request for the victim to wire money to the caller through Western Union or another service. 

Here are the police's tips to avoid becoming a victim of such a scam:

• If you receive a call, remain calm and get as much information as possible. If the caller claims to be a family member or loved one, ask him/her to confirm your or his/her middle name or some other piece of personal information.

• Do not volunteer names of family members or friends.

• If the caller claims to be calling about a loved one who was involved in an accident, ask the caller for his/her name, title, and agency. Call directory assistance in the city the person claims to be calling from and call the correct number to confirm the story. Do not call a number provided by the caller.

• Do not wire money until you confirm your loved one is really in need.

• If you are unsure if the call is legitimate, contact the Barnegat Police Department at 609-698-5000 and request assistance.