News Releases

Detectives Continue to Investigate "Grandparent Scam;" Surveillance Video Released

For Immediate Release: Saturday, July 9, 2022

Gaithersburg, MD – The Montgomery County Department of Police- Financial Crimes Section is investigating a series of fraudulent events that occurred between Tuesday, May 31, 2022, and Friday, June 3, 2022, involving senior citizens between the ages of 70 and 90-years-old. This crime is known to law enforcement as the “grandparent scam.” Detectives have released surveillance footage of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.  

The investigations by detectives determined that on Tuesday, May 31, an 84-year-old victim was contacted by a suspect claiming to be her grandson, stating that he was in jail and needed money to secure his release. After withdrawing the money, the victim called the number she was instructed to call. She was informed that a “courier” would come to her residence in the 17000 block of Chiswell Road to collect the money. A short time later, a male wearing brown shorts and a reflective construction vest arrived at her door to pick up the money. The victim handed the money to the “courier,” who then left in a dark colored, four-door sedan, with the stolen money.  

On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, a 78-year-old victim was contacted by a suspect claiming to be his daughter who told him that she had been arrested and needed money to secure her release from jail. After withdrawing the money, the victim called the number that he was instructed to call. The victim was told a “courier” would come to his residence in the 7500 block of Hampden Lane to collect the money.  A short time later, the “courier” arrived at his residence to retrieve the money. The suspect then walked away with the stolen money.  

On Friday, June 3, 2022, an 89-year-old victim was contacted by a suspect claiming to be her grandson who told her that he had been arrested and needed money to secure his release from jail. After taking out the money, the victim called the number that she was instructed to call. The victim was told by someone who identified themselves as a “lawyer,” that a bondsman would come to her residence to retrieve the money. A short time later a male wearing a brown UPS-style uniform, with a yellow reflective vest, knocked on her door in the 14000 block of London Lane. The bondsman retrieved the money and fled the scene on foot.  

The suspect who poses as a “courier,” is described as a tall male, heavy set, wearing a brown UPS type uniform and reflective vest. During one event, the suspect is seen driving away from the scene in a dark-colored, four-door car.  

Detectives believe that there may be additional victims.  

Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this crime is asked to call the Financial Crimes Section at (240) 773-6330 or 240-773-TIPS, or contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).  A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Callers can remain anonymous.  

# # #

Release ID: 22-348
Media Contact: CTDurham  
Categories: scam