Senior Citizen Couple Falls Prey To Telephone Scam

A Toms River couple was the victim of a telephone fraud that lead them to wiring over $1,900 to a telephone number in Canada.

The 72-year-old man received a telephone call Saturday morning stating that his grandson had been arrested in Canada, and that he needed to wire the grandson money, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said in a prepared news release.

After he was unsuccessful in getting a hold of his grandson, he and his wife went to a business on Brick Boulevard, as directed by the caller, and wired $980. 

Once they arrived back home they were told that the judge had increased bail, and they were now directed to send another $980. 

Shortly after sending the additional money they made contact with their grandson who was at work, the chief said.

Investigating Officer James Skripko and Detective John Bajcic determined the number that was called from is located in Toronto, Canada.

The couple reside in a township senior citizen community. Mastronardy did not identify the community.