Man Scammed Elderly Couple By Claiming To Be Jailed Grandson: Police

ABINGTON, PA — A York County man is behind bars after Abington Police said he defrauded an elderly couple in a "grandparent scam" in 2022.

Police said Cristopher Enmanual Mauricio, 20, of Reading, is facing numerous felony theft-related charges.

Mauricio is accused of targeting an elderly Glenside couple who told police in May 2022 that they were victims of fraud.

According to police, the couple got a call from someone claiming to be their grandson, who said he was in jail in another state.

The man said he needed money to be released and the couple agreed to pay the money out of concern for their "grandson," police said.

A short time later, a person showed up at their home and took several thousand dollars in "bail money" from the victims.

An Abington detective soon realized that the same suspect had committed similar crimes throughout the region.

Over the next several months, the detective gathered evidence, which resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for Mauricio

Mauricio eluded capture for several months, but was arrested in York County last week, Abington Police said.

He is being held at Montgomery County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail.

"The ‘Grandchild in distress’ scam is a common fraud which targets elderly victims," police said. "Suspects who prey on these victims are aware that the elderly are often more trusting of people, have utmost love for their grandchildren, and have access to retirement savings, making them vulnerable to these types of crimes. It is recommended that if you or your loved one receives a phone call of this nature, to immediately hang up and contact your local police department for assistance."