The Plymouth City Police Department is warning residents of a current scam taking place that targets unsuspecting relatives. The scam works when a relative receives a call from a person claiming to be a grandchild or niece/nephew and they say they have been arrested or in an accident and need money, according to a news release from the department.
Typically the fake relative will be in a faraway destination, the news release indicated.
In a recent case in Plymouth a fake relative called a victim and claimed to be a niece arrested for drunk driving in California and in need of money, police officials indicated in the news release. A second call then came into the victim from a fake attorney who said he needed the money to represent the fake relative. According to police, the fake relative will ask that the money be wired.
Plymouth Police said in its case, no money was lost in any transactions.
Residents are reminded that this is a scam that can easily be discovered by calling real relatives to see if the story is true. Residents can also call the police to their home to investigate if they are uncomfortable and suspect fraud.
