Watch out for
phone scam

Philadelphia police are warning the public, particularly older citizens, about a new telephone scam that crooks have been using locally to steal cash from unsuspecting seniors.
According to Officer Diane Reedman, victim assistance officer in the 7th Police District, at least five people in the 7th have been hit by the new scam, while several others in neighboring area have also been victimized.
The approach is basically this: the targeted person will receive a call from someone claiming to be their son or grandson. The male on the phone will explain that he has been in an automobile accident and is seriously injured. If the victim says he or she doesn’t recognize the voice on the phone, the caller will claim that he has a broken jaw or nose and it is affecting his speech.
After gaining the confidence of his victim, the caller will explain that he needs some cash to have his car or truck towed. He says he’ll send a friend to the victim’s house to pick up the money — usually about $300. A second male will then take the phone and get directions to the victim’s house.
According to Reedman, victims said that a black or Hispanic male with light skin showed up to get the money. The suspect is in his 30s or 40s, stands about 6 feet tall and has a heavy build. He has close-cropped hair and has been seen in a silver sport-utility vehicle.
Targeted individuals should not divulge their address or any other personal information to the caller.
Instead, they should call 911 immediately to report the incident to police. ••