Sequim Police Dept. warns of phony 'bail money' scam - grandparents/relatives beware

From the Sequim Police Department
Sequim Gazette

Posted 6/6/09

The Sequim Police Department has received a report of a new scam affecting our community, The grandparent/relative scam.

The victim is a 92-year-old resident of Sequim, who would like to remain anonymous, came to the Sequim Police Department to report a theft of $2,700.00. He said he received a phone call from a male who called him “Grandpa”. The male said that he was in jail in New York and needed bail money. The victim said he sent the money using Money Gram to a New York location. A few days after sending the money the victim called his grandson who said he was in Washington not New York and that he had not been in jail and did not call for bail money.

The Money Gram website www.moneygram.com, warns of this type of scam, calling it the Grandparent/Relative Scam. They recommend using caution when sending money in this situation. Money Gram warns that the person will be at a loss for the money sent. All that is required to receive or pick up money sent via Money Gram is the reference number.

The Sequim Police Department recommends that you do not send money without verifying who you’re sending it to. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be your relative in jail and in need of bail money, or in need for any reason, prior to sending money you should verify that they are truly your relative.