Grandpa Scammed Out of $4,000

They have differing characters and plots, but a scam by any other name is . . . still a scam.

The variables are, of course, what makes this type of scam believable to some. That and the urgency that is always involved. Act now! That's always the common theme. And it's insisted upon to prompt an irrational response and one to act before checking facts.

This scam occurred on Sept. 20 to a man on Alexander Drive in Lower Macungie Township. A caller told the man that his grandson had been arrested in Mexico and needed bail money, according to state police at Fogelsville. The victim sent $4,000 via Western Union to Mexico.

Police classified the incident theft by deception.

Calls like these typically involve a friend or relative who has been arrested or involved in a serious accident or has taken ill, often in a foreign country. Bail money or doctors' bills must be paid immediately to help the friend or relative.

In this instance, the call was received by 888-891-2113.

Anyone with information or believes they have been a recent victim of a similar scam is asked to call police at 610-395-1438.