The Fairfield Police Department would like to remind residents about an increasingly common scam in which criminals often target elderly individuals.

In the so-called “grandparent scam,” scammers call an individual and inform them that a relative has been arrested. The scammers may pose as the relative of the victim or a lawyer.

Fairfield Police urge all residents to remember that any detainment of relatives can be confirmed with the arresting police department or through the local district court clerk’s office. Bail is never paid via courier, gift card or wire service.

Avoiding the “grandparent scam”

If someone calls or sends a message claiming to be a family member or a friend desperate for money:

• Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.
• Verify the person’s identity by asking questions that a stranger could not answer.
• Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine.
• Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you’ve been told to keep it a secret.
• Don’t wire money or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier.
• Report possible fraud atgov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.