15-02-2025
Scammers prey on senior citizens, Windber police chief says
WINDBER, Pa. – Senior citizens are being warned of what is called 'grandparent scams' after an 89-year-old Windber grandmother was scammed out of $8,400, authorities said.
Windber police Chief Andrew Frear told The Tribune-Democrat that seniors are being targeted by sophisticated fraudsters.
'This is going on daily, hourly,' Frear said. 'We've had multiple people fall for the scams.'
In the most recently incident, an 89-year-old grandmother was phoned by who she thought was her grandson. The 'grandson' said he had been in a two-vehicle crash in Johnstown and needed $8,400 for cash bail. The woman withdrew the money from the bank and gave the cash to a man who came to the door.
'In essence the money is gone,' Frear said. 'There's not much chance of recovery.'
One person has been arrested in the case and the investigation is continuing.
Another woman withdrew money from the bank to buy Visa gift cards after being contacted by who she thought was Publishers Clearing House promising her $18 million and a new car.
The woman sent the scammer the gift card numbers, he said.
'In these instances the people lost most of the money they had,' Frear said.
Publishers Clearing House does not telephone prize winners.
Seniors are often contacted via landline phones. Many seniors still rely heavily on landlines, making them an accessible target for fraudsters.
They can fall prey to the 'grandparent' scam, those impersonating relatives and legitimate organizations such as the Social Security Administration, the IRS, Medicare, charities and financial institutions.
Scammers speak with a sense urgency.
Seniors are encouraged to hang up if the caller is pressuring them to act immediately.
Residents need to talk with elderly family members about scam calls. They should also monitor parents' and grandparents' phone calls and use call blocking. Seniors receiving unwanted phone calls should hang up and call a family member or police.
'Call 911 and have the police come and talk to you,' Frear said. 'I just don't want to see people get scammed anymore.'
