UMPD, along with several neighboring police departments, have taken multiple reports of scams targeting the elderly in the past several days. These reports are similar in nature. 

In the Upper Moreland case, an elderly resident was contacted by phone and told a relative had been arrested and needed bail money. After agreeing to pay the money, an unknown person arrived at their home and was given $20,000 cash for “bail” money. The person quickly left by vehicle. 

A report was made to UMPD officers a short time later. The relative was quickly confirmed to be safe at home and the incident determined to be a scam. 

We urge you to speak to elderly family members, friends and neighbors about this crime. 

- Law enforcement agencies will NEVER come to your residence to collect bail money or request gift card numbers over the phone to get a loved one out of jail. 

- Social media makes it VERY easy for scammers to find personal information about you, your friends and family to make their claims appear more convincing. In the Upper Moreland incident, the scammer confirmed a nickname given to the victim by the “arrested” relative. This was easily located by a video of the two posted on Facebook. 

- Scammers will scare victims with a consequence to their loved one if they tell anyone or call police. 

Please talk to the elderly folks in your life about these scams. Implore them to call 9-1-1 if they are targeted by or believe they have fallen victim to any type of scam.