Crime & Safety
Cranston Police Warn Of Recent 'Grandparent Scams'
Phone scammers are exploiting elderly residents by claiming to be a relative in trouble, Cranston police say.
CRANSTON, RI — The Cranston Police Department issued a warning Friday urging residents to watch out for recent grandparent scams.
Police said phone scammers are exploiting elderly residents by claiming to be a relative in trouble or a law enforcement official seeking payment to resolve a fabricated emergency. According to police, scammers have convinced victims to withdraw large sums of cash from their banks accounts and purchase gift cards and send them via the phone to the scammer.
If you or someone you know is contacted in this manner, do not comply with their requests. Instead, call Cranston police at 401-942-2211.
Find out what's happening in Cranstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
