The Wayland Police Department advises all residents to be alert for telephone scams.  On August 4th, a 79-year-old Wayland woman was the victim of a larceny totaling $8,020 by a professional telephone scam.   The woman received a telephone call at home by a person purporting to be her sister’s grandson, Daniel.  The man stated that he had been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Maryland and he needed money to pay for a utility pole that had been damaged.  At this point another man came on the phone line and identified himself as a police officer with the Baltimore Police Department.  The officer stated that Daniel needed $3,935 immediately to pay for damages.  He instructed the woman to withdraw funds from her account and wire them to a location in Maryland via Western Union.  The woman, believing that this was a legitimate call, followed these instructions and sent the money via Western Union to a location in Landover, Maryland.

The following day, the Wayland woman received a second telephone call, from the same people, who stated that Daniel needed more money in order to avoid a lawsuit.  An additional $4,085 was sent via Western Union to Landover, Maryland.

Wayland detectives are working with Western Union and the Prince Georges County Police Department on this investigation and have determined that the funds were picked up at a liquor store in Landover, Maryland.

Police advise all residents to verify any requests for money to be sent by Western Union and to contact their local police department if there is any question that the request for funds is bogus.

This story was covered on Channel 5 at the victim to warn others:  http://www.thebostonchannel.com/money/24604280/detail.html

      Source:  Wayland Police Department Press Release