Authorities Warn of Phone Scam Targeting Elderly ABC News Radio
go to original July 12, 2012

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in Alabama is warning residents to be aware of a scam targeting the elderly across the state.

Authorities said on Wednesday they received a report from an 87-year-old man who fell victim to the scam. The man said he got a phone call from someone claiming to be an official from the United States Embassy in Guadalajara, Mexico. The person on the other end of the line told the man that his grandson was in jail in Mexico and asked that he send money for bail.

The victim eventually wired $2,500 to Mexico. However, investigators said it was all a scam, and while the man's grandson was in Mexico, he had not been arrested.

Residents are being told that if they get a call like this, to take down all the pertinent information and inform other members of their family. Residents should also contact local law enforcement.

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!