Beware of phone scam: Macomb County grandparents receiving calls from 'grandchildren in jail'

Unknown call coming through on Iphone
Photo credit Getty Images

SHELBY TOWNSHIP (WWJ) -- A new phone scam is hitting Macomb County, and it's targeting senior citizens.

The Shelby Township Police Department has received several phone calls on Tuesday from senior citizens, stating they received a phone call from someone claiming to be a grandchild who is in jail.

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The caller then reportedly hands the phone off to another person, who claims to be an attorney, asking for bond money to get their grandchild out of jail.

The fake attorney will then instruct the senior citizen to send them money by either doing a wire transfer, using a cash app on their phone, purchasing a gift card or doing a money order.

Police said the best way to avoid this type of scam is to not answer any calls if you don't recognize the number or hang up immediately.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images