Sunset Beach Police warn of ‘Grandparent Scam’

SUNSET BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Sunset Beach Police are warning residents about a scam that targets grandparents.

The police department reports an increase in scammers contact residents.

Police say in the “Grandparent Scam” a resident gets a call or email from someone pretending to be their grandchild. The person claims that he or she is traveling in a foreign country or has gotten into a bad situation and needs money wired ASAP.

Police encourage residents to resist the pressure to act quickly. Instead they say you should contact your grandchild or another family member to determine whether the call is legitimate. If not, alert local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.