Elderly Glen Cove Woman Targeted In $12K Phone Scam

An 83-year-old Glen Cove woman lost $12,500 to phone scammers who convinced the woman that her granddaughter needed money to avoid jail, police say.

According to Glen Cove Police, a man who identified himself as "Bill Church" called the woman on Sunday, Aug. 16 and said her granddaughter was involved in an accident and was going to jail.

"Bill Church" told the woman she could not talk to anyone about this, police say. Following the instructions of the scammer, the woman went to Target and Best Buy to purchase gift cards and gave the caller the serial numbers off the cards. Police say this scam went on for three days.

The woman realized this was a scam on the third day when her granddaughter came to visit her, police say.

"This is another unfortunate case where the senior did not know enough about these scams and ended up giving this criminal $12,500," Glen Cove Police said.

The Glen Cove Police warn members of the community about these scams through Facebook, local newspapers, and monthly meetings at the senior center. Police have also reached out to the local businesses that sell these pre-paid cards to educate the cashiers about these scams and how they can help prevent someone from becoming another victim.

No matter how elaborate the scam, if a caller tells you to purchase a gift card or prepaid card for payment, its most likely a scam, police say.

If anyone feels they may be a victim of a scam or know someone who might be a victim of a scam, notify the Glen Cove Police Department at 516-676-1000.

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