STAFFORD – Police arrested one suspect but warned residents that Grandparent Scams are again on the rise. This is when a scammer calls a senior citizen to arrange bail for a grandchild who was not really arrested.
On February 17, police were called about a scam in progress. An 87-year-old resident of Beach Haven West was called about a grandson being arrested, and that they needed to provide $20,000 in bail.
The victim was told to stay on the phone while the bail collector came to her home. Meanwhile, police were also on their way to the home. Two detectives went inside and another two officers stayed near the front of the house.
Ramon Hurtado, 41, of West 177th Street, New York, NY, was arrested when he approached the house. He was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception, Criminal Attempt of Theft by Deception, and Resisting Arrest.
Police urged anyone with elderly loved ones to educate them on how not to be a victim.
“If they receive a phone call like this one, the best thing they can do is immediately hang up, call their family members, and report the incident to their local police department,” police said.
Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.
