Montgomery County Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect caught on surveillance video in a series of fraudulent events that occurred on May 31, June 1, and June 3, involving senior citizens between 70 and 90 years old.
MCPD said that the crime is known as the “grandparent scam“, and detectives believe that there may be additional victims.
“The investigations by detectives determined that on Tuesday, May 31, an 84-year-old victim was contacted by a suspect claiming to be her grandson, stating that he was in jail and needed money to secure his release,” MCPD said in a news release. “After withdrawing the money, the victim called the number she was instructed to call. She was informed that a “courier” would come to her residence in the 17000 block of Chiswell Road to collect the money. A short time later, a male wearing brown shorts and a reflective construction vest arrived at her door to pick up the money. The victim handed the money to the “courier,” who then left in a dark-colored, four-door sedan, with the stolen money.
“On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, a 78-year-old victim was contacted by a suspect claiming to be his daughter who told him that she had been arrested and needed money to secure her release from jail. After withdrawing the money, the victim called the number that he was instructed to call. The victim was told a “courier” would come to his residence in the 7500 block of Hampden Lane to collect the money. A short time later, the “courier” arrived at his residence to retrieve the money. The suspect then walked away with the stolen money.
“On Friday, June 3, 2022, an 89-year-old victim was contacted by a suspect claiming to be her grandson who told her that he had been arrested and needed money to secure his release from jail. After taking out the money, the victim called the number that she was instructed to call. The victim was told by someone who identified themselves as a “lawyer,” that a bondsman would come to her residence to retrieve the money. A short time later a male wearing a brown UPS-style uniform, with a yellow reflective vest, knocked on her door in the 14000 block of London Lane. The bondsman retrieved the money and fled the scene on foot.”
MCPD said that the suspect who poses as a “courier,” is described as a tall male, heavy set, wearing a brown UPS-type uniform and reflective vest. During one event, the suspect is seen driving away from the scene in a dark-colored, four-door car.
Crime Solvers of Montgomery County offers a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the suspect’s arrest. Anonymous tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at (866) 411-TIPS (8477), submit a tip online, or via the P3 Tips app.
Photo: MCPD/YouTube