Fake Car Accident, Fake Lotto, Extortion: Glen Cove PD Warns Of Scams

GLEN COVE, NY — Holiday scammers are preying on Glen Cove residents this holiday season, the Glen Cove City Police Department warns.

The department reported that on Dec. 12, a Glen Cove resident received a call from his grandson, who was crying. The "grandson" said he was in a car accident, seriously injured a pregnant woman and was arrested. A "district attorney" got on the phone and told the scam victim that his grandson needed $10,000 for bail.

The "district attorney" sent two people to the man's house who took this money. The police say this is a common scam, and ask residents to do their part by reminding elderly relatives and friends to be wary of anyone asking for money on the phone.

Anther recent holiday scam in Glen Cove was a case of extortion via dating sites, police said.

Another local resident was told on the phone he won a million dollars and a new car in a lottery. The scam victim paid $2,500 in "taxes and fees" by telling the scammer gift card numbers on the phone.