Lacey Police Warn Of Phone Scam Targeting Elderly

LACEY, NJ — Lacey police warmed of a phone scam occurring statewide that primarily targets the elderly. The person calls the victim and identified himself as an attorney.

The "attorney" explains that he has been retained for the victim's grandchild in light of their recent arrest. The call explains that the relative, who name he will have obtained online, is being held at a correctional facility and is seeking a large amount of bail money for a serious offense.

After the victim agrees to help, the "attorney" sends a suspect impersonating a bail bondsman to the victim's home to retrieve the cash.

A victim in Gloucester Township was scammed out of $25,000, and a Cherry Hill victim lost $10,000 because of this scheme, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer.

"Based on the circumstances, this appears to be an organized, targeted effort to defraud vulnerable adults who believe they are just trying to help their loved ones," Mayer said. Read more: Gloucester Twp. Resident Loses $25K In Coronavirus Scam: Police

The scheme seems to be occurring in many New Jersey counties, according to Lacey police. Police advise people not to provide personal information or cash to anyone if you receive a similar call, and report it to police.

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