Crime & Safety
St. Louis Park Woman Swindled Out of $2,800 in Grandson Scam
The woman received a phone call from a man claiming to be her grandson, stuck in the Dominican Republic with legal troubles.
A St. Louis Park woman was swindled out $2,800 by someone claiming to be her grandson.
The woman received a phone call around 1 p.m. on Aug. 22 from a scammer who said he was her grandson and that he was stuck in the Dominican Republic with legal problems.
“The ruse was very elaborate and the caller had responses for all of [the woman]’s questions,” reads the police report.
Find out what's happening in St. Louis Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The woman wired $1,600 from the Brooklyn Center Wal-Mart to the Dominican Republic at around 3 p.m. and then wired an additional $1,200 the following day.
When the caller asked for more money, the woman became suspicious and called her grandson, who told her he was in no danger.
Find out what's happening in St. Louis Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
On its website, the St. Louis Park police department offers tips on how to avoid scams and swindles.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here