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Pelham police urge elders to beware phone scams

By SCOTT MERZBACHStaff Writer

Wednesday, October 10, 2012
(Published in print: Thursday, October 11, 2012)

PELHAM — Four times in the past month Pelham residents have contacted police after receiving suspicious phone calls in which the caller asks them to send money to foreign countries to help free a relative.

While only one resident has reported losing money as a result of this scam, sending $2,000 to Amman, Jordan, before realizing her relative was not overseas, Pelham Police Chief Gary Thomann said Wednesday he is advising all residents, particularly senior citizens, to be vigilant.

He suggests anyone who receives a call to find out whether a relative really is abroad. “Speak to other family members. Always confirm a person is where they say they are,” Thomann said.

Thomann said senior citizens appear to be targeted since all four residents who reported the incidents were over 80 years old.

Anyone with concerns about this scam can call Pelham dispatch at 253-3818 or the department at 253-0484.

— SCOTT MERZBACH

queensurfer wrote:
20/10/2012

Thanks for sharing! I did read about this at http://www.callercenter.com and I think that posting information such as this is very helpful in promoting awareness among everybody, especially the seniors.
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