Crime & Safety

Scam Targeting the Elderly in Marlborough

A now "classic" scam targeting the elderly is occurring in Marlborough.

A now "classic" phone scam is hitting Marlborough and police are warning elderly residents to stay on their toes.
"These scams usually go unsolved as the suspects usually use payphones and prepaid cell phones," said Police Chief Mark Leonard of a scam where people pose as a granchild in need of money. "Always use caution when receiving strange phone calls, especially when they ask for money to be sent."
The grandchild scam is one in which the caller poses as a relative in need of money saying they ran out while in a foreign country. The best was to avoid these scams is to contact the relative or another family member before sending any money, said Leonard in a press release.
The Police Department has received an increase in complaints of phone scams on residents of Marlborough. These scams are used to trick the victim into sending money or, which police say is just as costly, providing personal info to another person. 

Tips to protect yourself:

1. Don’t assume that the information displayed on your phone, regarding who the caller is, is accurate, any phone number can be masked.
2. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone unless you know EXACTLY whom you’re dealing with.
3. If you have doubts about who’s on the phone, call the main number back rather than talking to the person who calls you.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these types of calls or scams, please call the Marlborough Police Department at 508-485-1212.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.