The NYSP is warning the public on a recent increase of phone scams to elderly citizens. This scam includes a few different scenarios: *The caller claiming to be a family member to have an illness or was arrested. This caller will put urgency on helping them and not to contact other family.
*The caller claims to be a law enforcement official with a family member under arrest demanding bail or funds for them.
**Police agencies do not contact family for bail money**
The caller in both scenarios will advise the victim to get a specific amount of money and buy gift cards from popular stores such as Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Target and other big retail stores. The victim is told to call a number and read off the gift card identification number.
If you receive a call you believe to be a scam:
*Resist the urge to act immediately- no matter how dramatic the story is.
*Verify the caller’s identity- Ask questions that a Stanger couldn’t answer. Check with a family member to see if the information is true.
*Don’t send cash, gift cards or money transfers- once the scammer gets the money, it’s gone!
If you have parents or elderly people in your family, take the time to explain this scam to them.
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