Police in Massachusetts concerned as wanted suspect in scam of elderly adding troubling wrinkle

Massachusetts Police are asking for the public’s help regarding an attempted larceny from an elderly person.

According to police, yesterday, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Officer Jennings responded to Rockland Trust Bank in Norwood for an attempted scam called in by an alert bank employee. An elderly person had come in earlier attempting to withdraw over $9,000. It was later determined that the victim had received a call stating that a family member was in a car accident and needed money. NPD confirmed that the family member had not been in an accident or requested any money.

After receiving another call, the victim was driven to the bank in what was described as a large white vehicle by a white male balding with gray hair.

Through Officer Jennings’ investigation, it is believed a white 2014-2016 Dodge Grand Caravan base SXT model may have been involved in the attempted larceny. This vehicle was seen in the area of Prospect Street, Washington Street and Lenox Street between 2:20 p.m. and 2:28 p.m. on February 14th.

Norwood Police are very concerned that in this case, the subject actually picked up the victim and drove the victim to the bank.

The public is asked to be aware of these “Grandparent Scams” which typically involve the victim receiving a call from someone posing as a family member, usually a grandchild. The caller will state they are in an emergency situation and need money to be sent to resolve it. To prevent these scams, always call and check with family members on a known number. Don’t send cash, wire money, or provide numbers from gift or cash-reload cards to a person claiming to be a grandchild. Scammers prefer those payment methods because they’re difficult to trace.

Anyone with information or surveillance of this vehicle (doorbell camera) is asked to contact Officer Jennings at the Norwood Police non-emergency line 781-440-5100.