Cinnaminson Police Warn of Grandparent Scam

Several elderly Cinnaminson residents have fallen prey to a scam involving overseas money transfers to phony grandchildren.

Cinnaminson Police said they've received a number of reports regarding senior citizens who claimed someone contacted them and asked that they wire money overseas to assist a grandchild. The victims were told their grandchild was arrested and needed the money for bail.

The callers have identified the grandchildren by using names and limited personal information, police said. The scammers ask the victims not to contact other family members to avoid embarrassing their grandchildren.

Police said one victim was told to wire $1,800 to the Dominican Republic to have his grandson released from prison. The actors coach the victims how to deceive the clerk completing the transaction, to avoid raising the clerk's suspicion. 

Cinnaminson Police ask all residents to be cautious anytime someone asks them to wire money. If you receive a call of this nature, contact your local police department.