Darien police are warning residents to be wary of an ongoing phone scam that tends to target elderly residents and ask for money.
According to police, the caller will claim that one of the resident’s relatives, such as a grandchild, is abroad and having legal or financial trouble. Oftentimes, the caller will then ask for money to be wired or sent via Western Union or Money Gram.
The caller might impersonate a resident, lawyer or police officer. Many of the calls have been traced to Canada and Mexico, police said.
“Be very cautious if you receive a phone call claiming that a relative is in jail or needs financial assistance,” police said in a release issued by Det. Mark Cappelli. “Do not try to verify such information using phone numbers provided by the caller. If you need to confirm whether a relative is in custody in another state or country, call the Darien Police Department at 203-662-5300.”
Anyone with questions or information should call police or visit the police department’s website at darienpolice.org.
