WESTFIELD — An elderly couple fell victim to a sophisticated telephone scam on Jan. 17, prompting a warning from local authorities for residents to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes.
According to the Wilbraham Police Department, the couple received a call from a person claiming to be a lawyer, stating that a relative had been arrested and required $10,000 in cash for bail.
The caller instructed the couple to withdraw the money and then contact him once they had the funds.
Complying with the instructions, the couple withdrew the cash, placed it in an envelope inside a sealed box as directed, and subsequently handed it over to a courier sent by the scammer.
It was not until later that the couple discovered their family member had never been arrested and realized they had been duped.
Investigations by the Westfield Police Department revealed that the courier was an unsuspecting driver for a ride-sharing service who had no involvement in the scam.
The driver reported delivering the box to a man at the Worcester Fair Shopping Plaza.
Footage from the ride-sharing vehicle’s camera provided images of the suspect, described as short, heavy-set, and a non-English speaker.
The Westfield Police Department is now seeking assistance from the public to identify the suspect.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det.
Williams at 413-642-9384 or via email at [email protected].
