Pennsylvania police are warning residents about a sophisticated grandparent scam after an 86-year-old man lost $9,500.
The Scam
The victim, Joseph Burke, received calls from someone claiming to be his grandson. The caller urgently requested $19,000 to cover expenses from a supposed traffic accident. Mr. Burke withdrew $9,500 and was only stopped from withdrawing more by alert bank employees. He then handed the cash to a man who arrived at his home wearing a disguise.
The Investigation
Using surveillance footage, police identified the getaway car and traced it to a rental agreement under the name Iris Alvarez. A warrant for Alvarez’s Cash App account revealed a connection to Alfonso Camareno. Both Alvarez and Camareno are now facing charges related to theft and operating a corrupt organization.
A Wider Conspiracy?
Police believe this scam is part of a larger organized crime ring. Camareno is also a suspect in similar crimes in Pittsburgh and is considered the ringleader of a group specifically targeting the elderly. Both suspects remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing with the possibility of more arrests.
Police Warning
Authorities urge everyone to be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting money, especially those claiming to be from family members in distress. Never send money without verifying the request through an independent source.
