Beware of Scams Seeking Bail Money for Family
Mountainside Police Department
On September 23 Mountainside police received a telephone call from a victim in Chesapeake Virginia stating his elderly mother had sent cash money via The U.S. Postal Service to an address in the borough. The money was requested by actors posing as police as bail money for the victim’s grandson. Family members learned of this transaction who were aware that the grandson was in Virginia and not in police custody.
Mountainside Police investigating the incident were able to recover $4,800 in cash which will be returned to the victim. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
The Mountainside Police urges anyone who receives a call of a family member requiring bail money that you confirm the phone number from the website of the police agency holding the person. An inquiry to the police agency holding the person should be made using the official number before any money is sent.
The Mountainside Police ask that you have a conversation with seniors and other people in your circle of family and friends regarding this all too common fraud.
