NEWARK, N.J. - Federal investigators in New Jersey are warning against a fraud scam that has swindled grandparents and the elderly out of close to $1 million.
The FBI's North Jersey field office reports that scammers will call a grandparent about a relative in desperate need of money.
The victim is directed to make a large cash deposit and give the money to a courier who comes to the victim's home. “This version of the scheme is slightly more personal and more dangerous,” Special Agent in Charge Gregory W.
Ehrie said. “Any time a criminal comes to your home, you are extremely vulnerable." Officials say anyone who believes they are being targeted in this scam, or similar scams, should remain on the phone and try to collect as much