Police Warn of Scam Targeting Grandparents

State police are raising the red flag about a new scam preying on grandparents.

Troopers say the so-called "grandson scheme" involves a scammer who calls an elderly person, claiming that person's grandson has been arrested and in an accident, that bail money is needed, and that the grandson's mother and father should not be told about it. Bail money is requested via MoneyGram or Western Union. Police say the caller even identifies a nearby location where the money can be wired.

Police say once the scammer has the wire reference information, he claims the grandson will call at a certain time, after his release. When the grandparents don't receive such a call and check with the grandson, they learn there never was an accident or a need for bail money.

Police say there have been complaints in at least four Connecticut towns in the last month.