Phone Scam Bilks Lawrence Resident of $2,200

Lawrence Township Police are investigating a incident that scammed a 72-year resident out of more than $2,000. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 10 shortly after 8 a.m., the resident received a phone call from someone who identified himself as her son. He didn't sound like himself, but told the woman that was because he had been in a car accident and had injured his nose. 

He said that he had been traveling to a wedding when the accident occurred and that according to Maryland law, you must pay for car damages before leaving the state. He then turned the phone over to a man identifying himself as a lawyer. The 'lawyer' told the woman that the damages totaled $5,000, but he would accept $2,200. He instructed her to go to Walmart and wire the money, which she did. 

Later, the 'lawyer' called back and said there was a snag and requested that she send an additional $1,800. The woman decided it was too late to go and didn't send the extra funds. 

The next morning, the woman's son real son called. That's when they realized the phone call had been a scam. The son hadn't been to Maryland and wasn't in an accident. 

Det. Caruso is investigating.