Norwood police search for suspect who tried to scam elderly woman
NORWOOD - Police are searching for the suspect who allegedly tried to scam an elderly woman in Norwood. Police are concerned because the woman was picked up at her home and driven to the bank.
An alert Rockland Trust Bank employee called police about the incident Tuesday afternoon. The victim was attempting to withdraw more than $9,000.
"The teller got suspicious, good on her behalf and notified her manager," said Norwood Police Sgt. William Fundora. "The manager then went to talk to her to get more information and because it took so long between the manager talking, by the time this happened, the driver who had dropped her off had already left."
The elderly woman had received a call stating that a family member was in a car accident and needed money. Police later determined that family member had not been in an accident and did not request money.
Police were initially looking for a white Dodge Caravan in connection with the scam. On Thursday, police said the driver of the van is believed to be a ride-share hired by the scammer. Police are no longer trying to find the van.
"They have nothing to lose," Fundora said. "We've seen all different types of scams where they take over your computer, they try to access your funds. So if you don't believe it's true, just hang up the phone."
Police say these "Grandparent Scams" typically involve the victim receiving a call from someone posing as a family member, usually a grandchild, in an emergency situation. To prevent the scam, police say to call the family member on a known number and never send cash or wire money.