NORTH HAVEN — Police are asking people to remind family members and elderly friends about money scams after a man in his 80s nearly fell victim to a bail money scam.
A North Haven resident received a phone call on August 12 from a man identifying himself as the man’s grandson. The man told the victim he was in jail and needed $9,700 for bail money right away. The victim said a second man, posing as a sergeant from a Baltimore jail, then got on the phone and provided instructions for sending the money.
“He says ‘get the money,'” said the North Haven resident. “So I get the money. He says ‘wrap it in saran wrap and put it between two magazines in a craft envelope.'” The victim followed the instructions, and a courier service picked up the package that day.
The victim said his grandson promised it was a fully refundable bond. The next morning, however, he began having doubts. “When I thought about it, I said, ‘What the heck did I do?'” he said.
The victim called his grandson, who was not in jail and knew nothing about the money.
“I actually got fooled,” said the victim.
He then called North Haven Police, who were able to intercept the money from the courier service before it reached its California destination. “They gave the tracking number and they caught up with it,” said the victim.
The victim said he will be receiving his money back any day now, but he does not know who actually called or how they found his phone number. He said if it happens again, he will be sure to call police or family members before sending money.
The investigation into the victim’s money also revealed a second victim, who sent $9,200 under the same false pretenses. Police were also able to halt that package.
North Haven Police caution that scammers will often pressure their victims to send money immediately, saying that time is essential. Police ask that before sending any money for bail, back taxes or ransom, call them for help at 203-239-1618.
