A crime commonly referred to as a the “grandparent scam” has spread throughout Erie County, primarily targeting elderly individuals.
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn on Thursday issued a warning to county residents to keep an eye out for this scam, in which scammers use emotional manipulation and hidden identities to gain money from others.
Last week, a Lancaster man in his 50s received a call from someone pretending to be his child. The person claimed to have been arrested due to a car accident resulting in injury, and asked for bail money.
A second person soon called, claiming to be a bail bondsman. The supposed bondsman told the man a courier would be sent to pick up the money. The “courier” collected $9,200 in person.
Other Erie County residents reported scammers claiming to be an IRS representative, a Social Security official, a student loan provider, a utility provider, a bank, an online retailer and a computer company, among others.
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The district attorney’s office provided tips to protect against these scams, including saying residents should not:
• Post any personal information on social media.
• Respond to suspicious calls, texts, letters or emails.
