There are days when going over police public information releases citing over and over again older adults falling victim to scammers, which the impacts reverberate in some cases for generations to come.
One 88 year-old New Britain Township resident avoided such a fate, according to police, “thanks to her awareness, instincts, and quick action”
Gretel received a phone call from someone claiming to be her grandson, police said in a release.
The caller’s voice sounded very similar to her grandson’s, which immediately raised concern and added to the urgency of the situation. The caller told Gretel he was in serious trouble and urgently needed $8,000, insisting she act right away and not to tell anyone.
Believing her grandson may truly be in distress, Gretel went to her bank and withdrew the money, New Britain authorities said.
However, as she reflected on the call, she began to feel that something about the situation did not seem right. Trusting that instinct, Gretel went to the New Britain Township Police Department with the money to speak on this matter with an officer, authorities said.
Detective Peffall quickly determined that the call was consistent with the “Grandparent Scam,” and requested she contact her daughter to verify the information about her grandson.
Gretel subsequently contacted her daughter and confirmed her grandson was fine and not in distress. She then returned the money to her bank.
The “Grandparent Scam” is a common scheme in which scammers impersonate family members and prey on emotions and fear to pressure victims into sending money.
Because Gretel paused and reached out to police, she was able to avoid becoming a victim.
The New Britain Township Police Department praises Gretel for her quick thinking and reminds residents—especially seniors and their families—to be cautious of unexpected calls demanding immediate payment or secrecy.
Authorities urge anyone who encounters a similar situation to slow down, verify the information, contact family members before acting, and contact their local police department if something doesn’t feel right. This incident serves as a powerful reminder that trusting your instincts and asking for help can prevent financial loss and protect others from becoming victims.
Disclaimer: Gretel granted permission for the use of her name and photo, as well as approved the publication of this information.
For more information on how the community at large can protect themselves from scammers please click here.
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