Beaumont police warn residents about telephone scam

Two Beaumont senior citizens fell victim to what police are calling a nationwide telephone scam, involving a caller who asks for money and claims to be their grandson, police said this week.

One of the victims said the caller claimed to have been in a car accident and was arrested for driving while under the influence. He needed money to be bailed out of jail. The same caller asked the victim to send more money to pay for damages to the other vehicle involved in the crash.

The second victim received a call from someone who said he was also in a car accident in a rental vehicle and needed money.

Beaumont police urged residents to be wary when asked for money over the phone. Police offer the following tips:

- Verify the identity of the relative prior to sending money by contacting the relative directly or calling another family member to verify the information.

- Ask personal questions that a stranger would not be able to answer.

- If the caller claims to be in jail, a hospital or another location, call the business directly to verify the information.

- Call the police if you have been a victim.

- Visit the Better Business Bureau's website for more information, www.bbb.org.

melissa.pinion-whitt@inlandnewspapers.com