Mesquite Police Department (MPD) is warning residents of another scam, which has been brought to their attention.
According to MPD Public Information Officer Robert W. Everett, police have been made aware of a scam involving phone calls made to elderly residents. The scenario over the phone is usually similar to this; the caller poses as a grandchild and when the phone is answered they say, “Hi, is this Grandma?” The victim, who is momentarily confused, assumes they are talking to their grandchild. The grandparent will say, “Is that you Tiffani?” When the caller responds “yes,” the bait is taken and the hook is in place. Next, the caller will say they are in some type of trouble and they need money, usually cash. The caller says where money can be wired to. There have been times a caller has posed as a close friend of the grandchild and asks if it’s ok to pick the money up. The unsuspecting grandparent has now become a victim of this scam. Everett said, “We are concerned our residents could fall prey to this type of scam; we’re trying to let them know these types of scams are taking place and be aware of them.”
Interim Chief of Police, Troy Tanner is asking residents to be on guard for these type of phone calls; Tanner said, “If you don’t recognize the person on the phone as your grandchild, ask pertinent family questions only a grandchild would be able to answer; do not withdraw money out of your bank account or make any arrangements to send money, without first speaking with your grandchild.” Tanner recommends telling the person on the phone you need to check into this situation further and hang up. If you would like, call your grandchild and make sure they are ok.
