The following press release was submitted by the Wayland Police Department:

Recently, the Wayland Police Department has responded to numerous complaints regarding attempted scams targeting the elderly residents of Wayland. In these scams, elderly residents are being targeted by telephone. During these telephone calls, residents are contacted by a person purporting themselves to be from the Social Security Administration.

The latest attempt occurred when a male caller telephoned a Wayland resident and stated that he needed to verify her social security number and bank account information.

Fortunately, the woman did not release her social security number or her bank account information. The caller became rude with her and demanded her to get her account information. When she refused, the caller hung the telephone up.

This scam targets the elderly and is very convincing because the scammers often are able to determine names and other information prior to placing the telephone call.

Police encourage all residents who receive a call of this nature, to contact the Wayland Police Department. Also, do not release your social security number and/or bank account information over the telephone to people whom you do not know.

The best defense against these scams is through education and prevention.