Braintree Resident Loses $500 to Phone Scammer

The Braintree Police Department is warning residents of phone scams after a Braintree man wired $500 to a person who claimed his brother had been in an accident.

According to Chief Russell Jenkins a resident was contacted on Sunday, May 26, saying his brother, who was vacationing in Montreal, was in an accident in Canada and needed $1,000.

Before checking with his family, the resident wired $500, via Western Union, to an address in Puerto Rico. After the transaction was complete, he learned his brother was safe.

"It is unlikely that the scammer actually knew the brother was in Canada," Jenkins said in a statement.

The scam is similar to others that claim a grandchild has been arrested or a family member has been kidnapped.

"Residents are cautioned to be wary of such phone calls and to confirm information with other family members before being duped," said Jenkins.