Grandparent / Elderly Scam Incidents

Over the last few weeks there has been an increase in Grandparent/Elderly scam incidents.

Several New Jersey jurisdictions are investigating incidents where elderly couples/individuals are being targeted and contacted by someone claiming to be either a lawyer or that victims family member.

The scam involves the victim’s family member being arrested for an accident and/or crime and the victim must provide bail money for their family member to be released from jail. Some versions of this scam involve a suspect pretending to be their granddaughter or grandson asking to be bailed out from jail. In some cases, the caller then advises the victim of the “bail” amount and advises that a courier will come by their residence to collect the money or a bails bondsman. In most incidents, if a monetary mount is paid, the suspects contact the victims again asking for more money.

Residents should be reminded that Law Enforcement agencies nor a law firm would not contact anyone directly for bail money.

If you receive any of these types of phone calls or emails, we request that you do not make any payments to these individuals and you contact the Mahwah Police Department immediately at 201-529-1000.