Fraud Targeting the Elderly

May 27, 2022

Fraud Targeting the Elderly

            On May 26, 2022 an Abington couple reported that they had been the victim of a fraud.  The residents reported that a male had contacted them by phone, claiming that their grandson was in legal trouble in another state and required substantial funds to be released from jail.  The residents, concerned for their grandson’s well-being, agreed to pay the money.  One suspect arrived at their home and took a sum of several thousand dollars in cash from the couple, but was short of the total agreed to by the couple.  Later in the day, another male arrived at the home and took the remainder of the agreed amount.

The suspects were described by the victims as males in their 20’s, possibly Hispanic or African-American. The victims were unable to provide complete clothing descriptions, but security footage from a nearby residence shows one of the males wearing a blue shirt and black shorts.  A vehicle suspected as being involved is a grey SUV or crossover.  A photo of the vehicle and one of the suspects is shown below.

Abington police want to warn that this type of fraud is common, and suspects frequently target the elderly to perpetrate this crime.  A third party will not contact you to ask for money on your relative’s behalf.  If you receive a call of this nature, you are asked to contact the police and file a report.

This crime is being actively investigated, and anyone having information is asked to contact Abington Police Detective Division at (267)536-1100.

CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREFORE, ARE MERELY ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.

 

Approved for Release by~

Lt. Steven Fink

sfink@abingtonpa.gov

267-536-1113