Palo Alto Police Warn Of Scammers Targeting Grandparents

PALO ALTO (CBS SF) -- Palo Alto police are warning community members about a scam that typically targets the elderly and can cost victims thousands of dollars.

Victims are being contacted by someone claiming to be their grandchild. The caller says they were robbed, arrested or involved in a traffic accident in another country. They claim to be in desperate need of money for attorney fees, bail, travel or vehicle repairs.

The callers also call saying they are attorneys claiming to be representing an incarcerated family member, according to police. The suspects are often overseas, and stolen money is rarely recovered.

For information about how to avoid the Grandson Scam, residents are encouraged to visit the "Common Scams and How to Avoid Them" section of the Palo Alto Police Department's website.

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