The RNC is investigating after receiving more reports of the so-called grandparent scam.
A woman reported to RNC this week that she received a call from someone who identified himself as a police officer who told her that money was needed in order to bail her grandson out of jail.
The woman complied after hearing what she believed to be her grandson pleading in the background.
She then contacted her grandson who told her it was a scam and she called the RNC.
The fraudsters had asked the woman to leave the funds requested on a doorstep, so police believe the person responsible is in the region.
RNC warn that fraudsters often target seniors and are using artificial intelligence to disguise their voices to make calls pretending to be a family member in distress.
Scare tactics are also used to manipulate the victim into sending money, gift cards or other types of currency by preying on a person’s good nature or desire to help.
Residents are advised to be suspicious of any call that requires immediate action, and not to trust a phone number just because it is local or familiar. The courts or police will never ask for cash to bail someone out, and never send cash or funds to someone unknown to you.
