Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Economic Crimes Unit

What:
Detectives are encouraging the public to be on alert to recent phone scams occurring in Pinellas County.

When:
Since January 2019, detectives have identified an increase in the “Grandparent Scam”.

Where:
The scam targets elderly citizens of Pinellas County.

Why/How:
Pinellas County detectives are encouraging the public to be on alert to recent phone scams targeting elderly citizens in Pinellas County.

According to detectives, the victims are contacted by the suspect pretending to be one of their grandchildren. The suspect may inform the victim that their grandchild is injured, and is being transported to the hospital. The suspect may also state that their grandchild has been arrested, and bond money is needed. In both instances, the suspect instructs the victim to hide cash in a magazine, then send the cash through the mail. The suspect then tells the victim to not contact law enforcement or other family members to verify the information.

The victims later discover their grandchild was never injured or arrested. Furthermore, the cash has been picked up and is untraceable.

Detectives say, at least nine citizens of Pinellas County have been targeted by this scam since January 2019.

Detectives advise citizens should verify the status of their grandchild with other family members before providing the cash.

Anyone with information on this scam is asked to call Corporal K. Frazho at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 582-6200.