The Plymouth Police Department has recently issued a warning about a fraudulent scheme targeting elderly members of the community. According to a social media post by the department, there have been multiple reports of scammers attempting to extract large sums of money from seniors under the guise of helping a relative out of jail. The ruse includes the scammers calling victims to claim a loved one is incarcerated and requires a hefty bail amount, sometimes as high as $20,000, to be released.
The Plymouth Police warned that these criminals are coordinating to even dispatch drivers, who might pose as ride-sharing service drivers, to victims' homes to collect these supposed bail funds. In their bulletin, they made it clear to never "give cash or check to anyone you do not know." The department further clarified that legitimate bail transactions are never conducted at private residences but rather, take place exclusively at police stations or courthouses. This info seeks to arm residents with the knowledge necessary to not only protect themselves but also to educate and safeguard their vulnerable family members and friends against such nefarious acts.
Residents are advised to be extra cautious and are urged to directly reach out to their loved ones before responding to any such calls. The Police Department has stressed the importance of verifying the legitimacy of such disturbing claims. They have asked anyone who receives similar calls to ignore them and promptly inform local law enforcement authorities. By doing so, the police can better assist individuals in confirming whether the call is part of a scam.
The community's response to this scam is critical in preventing future incidents. The department has encouraged residents to swiftly alert their senior relatives about this deception.
