A Huron Township senior citizen has lost $12,500 in a scam that authorities call despicable.
The resident, 90, called police last Thursday to report the scam. He said a male called his phone and represented himself as a lawyer. The male told him that his granddaughter had been arrested and needed money to get out of jail, according to a news release from Huron Township police.
The suspects had a female impersonating the victim's granddaughter and talked to the victim by phone. The victim believed it was his granddaughter.
The scammer told the resident that $12,500 was needed in cash immediately and that he would send a “bondsman” to come to the home on Inkster Road to pick up the cash. The victim gathered the money and within approximately 15 minutes, a black female arrived at his home, took the money and left.
Further investigation revealed the victim's granddaughter was not in jail, but at work.
“This is a despicable act of preying on one of our incredible seniors who’s only intention was to try and help his family," Huron Township Director of Public Safety Everette Robbins said in a statement. "This scam went a step further than many with a person coming directly to the victim’s residence to pick up money."
Police say they wanted to make sure the public is aware so no one else becomes a victim.
“It is important for everyone to know that the police or lawyers will never call you to pick up money for situations like this," Robbins said. "You should never give cash or send money to anyone who randomly calls you on the phone. With AI technology, thieves can make family members sound real on the phone."
Police remind residents that if you get a call that says your family member is in jail or hurt, you should first try and call the family member directly and if you can’t reach them, call police to find out if the situation is real and what you should do next.
The investigation is ongoing. Police ask anyone who may have had something similar happen to them or have information on the suspects to call Detective Wesley Jolly immediately at 734-753-4400.
