UWS Woman, 78, Duped In $9.5K Bail Scam: NYPD

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY - An Upper West Side woman fell victim to a bail scam last month after she forked over nearly $10,000 to a man pretending to be her grandson, the New York City Police Department said Wednesday.

The phony caller told the 78-year-old woman that he needed $9,500 for bail money around 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 23, police said.

The woman compiled and arranged for a courier to pick up the parcel at her residence on West 62 Street and Columbus Avenue around 11:50 a.m. the same day.

The courier, described as a man between 25 to 35 years old, was operating a white Toyota with NY license plate T753385C. There were no injuries as a result of this incident, police said.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

The Federal Communications Commission urges individuals to use caution should they feel pressured to send money quickly. The FCC has guides on spoofed caller IDs and call-blocking apps and services.

"Scammers often try to bully victims into transferring money through a mobile payment app, by wiring money, or by purchasing gift cards or money orders," according to the FCC. "Some may even request to meet to receive money in person. If you get a call like this, hang up and report it immediately to local law enforcement."