Hingham Grandparent Avoids 'Bail Money' Scam

An elderly Hingham resident warded off a phone scam earlier this week after contacting his grandson, who the caller said had been arrested in Rhode Island and needed bail money.

Hingham police, in an electronic alert, said this was a common "grandparent" scam and that the targeted resident in this case did not send any money.

"Although we have sent warnings about this scam as recently as December, it continues to affect our community by  targeting our seniors," HPD said.

The North Hingham man received a call on Monday, Jan. 13 at 12:09 p.m. The caller said the bail would be about $1,400 and the money would need to be wired via Western Union to the Dominican Republic, even though the "arrest" occurred in Rhode Island.

"The caller, who had a foreign accent, also informed the resident that the nearest Western Union location was inside the Stop and Shop in Hingham," HPD said.

"Fortunately, before wiring any money, the resident called his son (his grandson's father). His son then called the grandson's cell phone and confirmed that he had not been arrested and was fine.

"In the 'Grandparent Scam' the caller, would convince the grandparent to wire money to help them get bailed out. The scammer would appeal to their sympathy and plead with them not to tell their parents (to allow them to send the money and not allow them to verify the story).

"Again, the reason these types of scams continue, is because the scammers continue to receive money from victims. We suggest hanging up or taking steps to verify the story as this resident did. Please share this information to prevent other seniors from losing their money."