$8K Swiped In Northampton Grandparent Phone Call Scam

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —Despite a warning issued to residents a month ago, another grandparent in the township has fallen victim to a phone call scam.

Last Thursday, the Northampton Township Police Department took a fraud/scam report in which the elderly victim was defrauded in what police said was the "typical grandparent scam."

The victim received a call allegedly from her grandson who stated that he was in an accident and was arrested.

The phone was given to "Michael Anderson of the Baltimore Public Defender's Office" telling her she needed to pay $8,000 in cash for her grandson's bail.

The victim said she didn't have those cash funds available and couldn't transfer money from an account, police said. She was then asked whether she had a HELOC to draw cash from and the victim stated that she did.

Upon obtaining the cash, she called "Michael Anderson" back and he arranged for a courier to come and pick up the money.

The courier approached from Buck Road on foot, left the victim's property, and headed northbound back on Bucks Road on foot.

Police ask that grandparents, parents and/or any seniors be alert to the phone scam. We are open 24/7/365, if you or anyone you know has a question about a possible Scam, Call us directly at 215-322-6111.

In late February, police issued a warning about the phone scams after receiving several reports about unsuccessful attempts.

"Please talk to any seniors that you may have in your family or senior neighbors," police said at that time. "Make sure they are aware of the scam calls trying to get money on behalf of their grandchild."

Anyone with information about Thursday's crime and the courier suspect should contact Detective Stark at 215-322-6111 ext 50.