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New Grandparent Scam Warning Issued For Area Residents

A new report of a "Grandparent Scam" call was reported Friday, prompting authorities to renew previous warning to residents.

Photo Credit: File

The scam works by callers pretending to be a grandchild in some kind of trouble and desperately in need of money. 

The person on the phone may have family names and personal information. And, they always tell their "grandparents" that money has to be sent in the form of cash from businesses such as a Western Union money order or by gift card, said AARP.

Unfortunately, even tech-savvy residents are falling for the scam. The organization says the best way for older residents to keep their money and identities safe is to be on guard and learn the tricks the scammers use and turn the tables on them. 

The Hyde Park Police Department in Dutchess County said it received the complaint on Friday from local grandparents who said someone claiming to be their "granddaughter" told them she had been arrested.

A male then got on the line and identified themselves as Officer "Greg Jones" from the Hyde Park Police Department, who told them that the incident could be cleared up if the couple went to Walmart, bought five $1,000 gift cards, and provided the information to the officer.

There is no Officer Jones at the Town of Hyde Park Police Department and the call was indeed a scam, police said.

"If anyone contacts you claiming to be from a police department and requesting gift cards, it is absolutely a bunch of baloney," Hyde Park Police said, adding local residents should "please use common sense and never send a stranger money, gift cards or wire transfers."

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