The Summit Police Department would like to share with our residents a possible scam to be aware of. In the past, SPD officers have taken reports of this kind and think it important to inform those we serve especially our elderly residents. Please note that this is not something that has been reported to us in large numbers and is not all that common at this time. However, because this type of scam targets our elderly population, we would like everyone to be aware of this so we can all look out for each other and our families. This particular fraudulent activity is called the grandparent scam and it is difficult to identify offenders who commit this act. This act usually starts with:

1.  A victim receiving a call from someone identifying themselves as a grandchild of the victim.
2. The caller tells the victim that they are in trouble with the law or have been hurt and are in the hospital.
3. The caller asks the victim for money to be sent to them in the form of gift cards or money transfers.
4. Usually, the caller uses the actual name of the victim's family member creating the belief that it is in fact their grandchild. 
5. The victim then sends the caller money or gift card information and at that point the money is gone. 

Further information on this type of activity can be found at the link provided from an article by the FBI and an article by AARP that also gives some helpful advice on how to avoid falling victim to this activity. 

If you receive any suspicious calls, we ask that you do not send any money transfers or purchase gift cards and send the information to anyone. If you receive calls like this please report them to the Summit Police. 

https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2016/how-to-beat-grandparent-scam.html

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/the-grandparent-scam