Beware Of 'Grandparent Scam' Calls, Police In Dutchess Warn

The Hyde Park Police Department said it received the complaint from local grandparents who said someone claiming to be their "granddaughter" told them she had been arrested.

A male then got on the line and identified themselves as Officer "Greg Jones" from the Hyde Park Police Department, who told them that the incident could be cleared up if the couple went to Walmart, bought five $1,000 gift cards, and provided the information to the officer.

There is no Officer Jones at the Town of Hyde Park Police Department and the call was indeed a scam, police said.

"If anyone contacts you claiming to be from a police department and requesting gift cards, it is absolutely a bunch of baloney," Hyde Park Police said, adding local residents should "please use common sense and never send a stranger money, gift cards or wire transfers."

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