Police in Middletown Township are warning residents of a disturbing trend in elder fraud where scammers are no longer just calling victims, but are showing up at their front doors to collect cash.
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The Middletown Township Police Department reported a recent spike in “in-person” fraud cases.
Police said they crimes typically begin with a series of high-pressure phone calls designed to manipulate the victim into handing over large sums of money.
“As you can imagine, meeting with the perpetrator adds a whole other level of concern for those being targeted,” the department said in a statement.
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While many scams happen entirely online or over the phone, the FBI notes that in-person fraud involves scammers visiting homes or meeting seniors in public. Common tactics include: crooks posing as utility workers, government officials, or law enforcement, claims that a grandchild needs immediate bail money, and promotion of fake charities or unneeded home repairs.
The FBI warns that these perpetrators rely on “high-pressure tactics” intended to force the victim into taking immediate, panicked action before they have time to think clearly.
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Middletown Township police said that they have stopped some scammers and made arrests, but only when victims contacted them before the meeting occurred.
“Solving these frauds can be so difficult, but getting us involved as soon as possible will help us immensely,” the department stated. “If you find yourself in the thick of one of these situations CALL US, do NOT wait!”
Police advised residents to look for red flags: any caller who is demanding, high-pressure, or uses an emotional backstory to request money. Their advice is simple: Hang up.
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The department is urging residents to speak with elderly family members about these localized threats.
To assist with education, the Middletown Township Police Department is offering to send officers to senior living communities and community centers to speak about fraud prevention.
Organizations interested in a presentation can contact Community Relations Officer Missy Robison at mrobison@mtpd.org.
