Tewksbury Police Warn of Scam Targeting the Elderly

TEWKSBURY, MA - Tewksbury Police say they continue to receive reports of elderly residents victimized by scammers.

Criminals are currently targeting the elderly with phone scams that often begins with the heart-tugging words "Grandma, it's me. I need help," police say.

There are several variations of the scam, but most follow a formula:

• The caller is a grandchild in trouble, often in a foreign country
• The caller begs the grandparent not to tell his or her parents
• The caller is being held by law enforcement
• The caller needs bail money to get home
• The money must be wired to a foreign location

Police say many seniors have already been victimized by this scam and have lost tens of thousands of dollars to criminals preying on their emotions.

What can you do to not be their next victim?

• Never wire money to someone you don't know
• Check out the story

If you suspect you've been the victim of a scam, call the Tewksbury Police Department at 978-851-7373, Ext. 0.