BRISTOL, RI — Police are warning residents about an increase in fraud cases involving callers posing as distressed family members.
The Bristol Police Department said scammers are pretending to be grandchildren or other relatives in urgent need of money.
The callers create a sense of urgency and demand immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers or electronic payments, according to police.
Victims are often asked to keep the request secret.
Police advise residents to hang up immediately if they receive such a call.
Authorities recommend calling the family member directly using a known phone number to verify the situation.
Residents should never send money under pressure, police said.
Anyone who has sent money should contact their bank and report the incident to police.
Police are urging residents to discuss these scams with loved ones, particularly senior citizens.
