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“Grandson Under Arrest Scam” Spreads to Other Bergen County Towns

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A Message from the Oakland Police Department

Recently, some of our residents have experienced suspicious phone calls, e-mails, etc. where they are ultimately tricked into sending large amounts of money (gift cards, wire transfers, banking information, etc.) to an unknown person.

Some of the victims of these incidents have reported being told that a family member is being held hostage, is in police custody, is being detained, or is sick and in need of emergent assistance. The offender(s) during these incidents will attempt to make the victim feel as if it were an emergency and will possibly make threats that you remain on the telephone with them throughout the entirety of the interaction.

It is important to know that the control during these incidents is in your hands. You should ask questions, obtain contact information, and CONFIRM THE INFORMATION WITH ANOTHER SOURCE. The Oakland Police Department understands that these incidents may be highly stressful for the potential victim, but it is vital that the information being told to you is confirmed first. Many victims have sent money to these offenders, then attempted to make contact with their “troubled” family member, only to find out that they are safe and the information was false. If the details that you are being told do not make sense, then most likely the information you are receiving will not be true. If you are instructed to stay on the phone and to go to another location to send money, and you are uncomfortable disconnecting the phone call, then respond to the nearest police department, and tell an officer what is happening.

Please also note that police departments, corrections facilities, and other legitimate government agencies do not accept gift cards, wire transfers, etc. to aid in the release of a prisoner in custody. The Oakland Police Department, for example, only accepts cash or check, and these transactions are conducted in person.

Remember the rule: If something does not seem right, say something. If you are faced with a situation like this, contact the friend or family member in question or your local police department, and verify the information

3 thoughts on ““Grandson Under Arrest Scam” Spreads to Other Bergen County Towns

  1. I was “lucky” enough to receive one of these phone calls. I was also lucky enough that the guy used “Grandma” to address me. So I immediately knew it was a scam. It was actually fun to string him along until I said “What’s your name, you don’t sound like my grandson?” and he slammed the receiver down. Unfortunately they really do sound like someone in distress, but if they don’t know the name of the person who is supposed to be needing the help, it is obviously a fraud.

  2. My dad fell for this two years ago. Cost $4,000. Was coerced into buying two Best Buy cards for $2000 each and surrender the numbers. After many phone calls AMEX covered these costs as part of their fraud insurance coverage. After which AMEX thanked my dad for being a loyal member for 50 years.

  3. Kudos to AmEx!

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