Ontario County Man Victim of "Grandparent Scam"

A Bronx woman has been arrested on grand larceny charges after Ontario County authorities say she was part of the so-called "grandparent scam."

Sheriff Kevin Henderson tells 13 WHAM the victim was contacted in January by a man who claimed his grandson was in jail in Atlanta, Georgia and needed $5,000 bail money. The victim sent the money, but soon after realized he'd been scammed. Investigators were able to follow the money to a bank account belonging to 21-year-old Merlyn Santiago, who was caught on video withdrawing the money.

Officials say you should have a code word with family members so you know if someone is really in trouble or if it's a scam.


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