Burrillville Police warn of "Grandparent Scam"

The Burrillville Police Department would like to warn residents of Burrillville of a telephone scam commonly referred to as the “Grandparent Scam.”

Individuals are targeting older residents portraying themselves as either attorneys or police officers, and advising them of a grandchild who has been arrested or in a motor vehicle accident and is in need of a significant amount of money.  The callers advise the family member to go to their bank to withdraw the money.  The callers also advise the victim not to disclose to the bank teller what the money is to be used for.  The callers go as far as to put a younger person on the phone who would resemble the victim’s grandchild as “proof” of the arrest. 

Should you receive a call such as this, PLEASE DO NOT withdraw funds from your bank, and make contact with the targeted grandchild for verification.  

This is a statewide issue, as there are several communities around Rhode Island experiencing these calls.  These types of calls are expected to continue throughout the week.

Please call the Burrillville Police should you have any questions, or need any assistance. 
 

Burrillville Police Department
1477 Victory Highway, Oakland
401-568-6255
Emergency - call 911