06/08/22 Grandparent Telephone Scam

By Bruce Dayno
Chief of Police

It has come to my attention that senior residents in nearby towns have been victimized by a “grandparent telephone scam”.  The scam usually begins when a male caller, identifying himself as the person's grandson, claims he is involved in an emergency and asks for money. In other variations, the caller claims to be an attorney or a police officer claiming the grandson has been arrested and needs money for bond.  The grandparent is then instructed on how to send money.  The caller often knows the grandson’s name or tricks the victim into revealing the name.

Never send money to a grandchild, or other relative or friend, claiming to need money for bond or other emergencies without first verifying it is not a scam.  In most cases, the grandchild or grandchild’s parents can be called directly on the cell phone number you have for them to verify they are fine, have not been arrested, and don’t need money.

Please share this information with seniors you know.

For questions on scams, contact:

Bruce Dayno
Chief of Police
847-945-1130
bdayno@riverwoods.gov