Full Notification

As indicated in a Nixle message on Monday, gypsy crime does seem to increase in the late spring and early summer months. There are literally hundreds of different scams, many of which rely on the trust and good nature of seniors. On 5/15/12, a 94 year old resident reported receiving a telephone call from his grandson claiming that he was in jail in Madrid Spain and needed $2,000 wired via Western Union. Unfortunately, the victim complied with the request before learning that his grandson was just fine here in Michigan.

Whether you receive a similar call or calls from banks, utility companies, government agencies, credit card companies or any other business, your best option is to obtain a name and telephone number and advise them that you will call them right back. It is then up to you to research the company name they supplied you in the phone book, on a computer or through any other means available to ensure that the information was accurate. If the call is regarding a family member similar to this crime, start by calling your family to ensure the information is accurate. If you are not sure how to proceed or if you suspect fraud, contact your local police department immediately.

Please share this information with the seniors in your life and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Harper Woods Police Department at (313) 343-2530 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP