Financial investigation, grandparent scams going around throughout the North Country

NORTH COUNTRY- Listeners and residents beware… authorities in Jefferson County are warning of a scam that has been going around – specifically one that targets the elderly.

According to the New York State Police, these scams include someone posing to be a member of law enforcement conducting a financial investigation and grandparent scams, where someone calls stating they are a lawyer representing your grandchild and you need to send money.

Common themes in these incidents, investigators say, are urgency and the need for secrecy.

Contact is made either through a phone call that is either spam, an unrecognized number, or spoofed to be made to look like it is from a trusted person or family member, or through a pop-up message on a computer or cell phone.

Investigators say it is common in these scams that a person will be asked to use a text messaging app or another phone number to continue communications.

People are reminded that law enforcement does not collect money in any way from the public.

Law enforcement and lawyers do not request money be paid through gift cards.

Authorities advise to never send cash packaged in magazines and/or wrapped in foil to anyone. Never turn cash over to an individual that is being sent to meet you. There is also no need for secrecy from family members involving financial transactions.

In many cases, a simple check of Google will show that phone numbers are associated with scams. Addresses used by individuals are sometimes just unoccupied houses for sale.

Those who believe they are dealing with such a scam are urged to call law enforcement and the contact people involved to verify what is going on.

NYSP image.