Summit Resident Bilked Out Of $9K In 'Grandparent Scam'

SUMMIT, NJ — Summit police are warning residents after a family says that someone came by in a van last month and took $9,000 from them after a suspicious phone call. The incident appears to be part of an ongoing "Grandparent Scam" in which someone calls the victim on the phone and says they need bail money to get their relative out of jail.

Police say that on Dec. 16, at 1:15 p.m., they took a report for theft by deception from a Canoe Brook Parkway residence.

The victims reported receiving a phone call from an unknown male identifying himself as an attorney at approximately 9:30 a.m.

According to police, the caller stated that the victim’s grandson had been arrested in a neighboring town and was currently being housed in the county jail. In order for the victim’s grandson to receive immediate legal representation and to post bail, the victims would need to supply $9,000 cash to the caller by leaving it in a box on their front steps.

The victims did as they were instructed and at approximately 12:15 p.m., they witnessed a white van arrive at the residence.

An unidentified suspect wearing a facial mask, black hooded sweatshirt and black pants exited the passenger side of the vehicle, responded to the residence, and removed the box with the cash in it, police said.

The suspect retreated back to the van and vacated the area. The victims later confirmed that their grandson had not been arrested or contacted an attorney for any legal representation.

The investigation was subsequently turned over to the Detective Bureau.

The Summit police wanted to remind residents not to get tricked into giving out information.

"If you, or a loved one receives a phone call of this nature stating a family member has been
arrested and needs immediate funds— cash or gift card—for bail or legal representation, contact the Summit Police Department immediately," the police said.

The number is 908-273-0051.

"Do not provide personal information or confirm information over the phone with these individuals," police noted. "Bail can never be posted with a gift card. No law enforcement agency will ask for any form of payment by gift card or cash being left at a residence."

In other news, the "Grandparent Scam" isn't the only one bilking people. Area residents have also been falling prey to a "puppy scam."

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