Suspects sought in 'grandparents scam'
ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The Orlando Police Department is searching for suspects in what they are calling the "Grandparent Scam."
The department has investigated several cases in the Lake Como area this week and the economic crimes detectives are working to catch the predators.
"Elderly victims are contacted by a 'lawyer' and told their grandchild is in legal trouble and needs money for a lawyer or for bond. They are directed to send funds through the mail to a specific address where the last name on the package is the same as a resident in the home but the first name is different," explains police spokesperson Michelle Guido. "Once the package arrives, the suspects try to intercept the packages from porches or mailboxes."
On Friday, OPD released photographs of a woman they are identifying as one of the suspects. A witness said a woman matching her description got into a gold, four-door vehicle.
Anyone with information about these cases is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).