Police: ‘Grandparent scammers’ went to victims’ homes in-person

At least two communities in this area have been hit recently by the grandparent scam. In one case, an alert off-duty officer spotted some suspicious activity.

North Greenbush Police Sergeant Josiah Deeb was driving home when he spotted a car and driver that caught his attention.

The sergeant said further on, he saw a man get an envelope from a resident.

He didn’t know at the time that he was getting photos of a suspect in a grandparent scam. A resident paid $25,000, then another $15,000 thinking it was bail money for his granddaughter.

The next day, a man on Beryl Way in Colonie called police after getting a grandparent scam call, and officers were waiting.

They say 27-year-old William Comfort of Maywood, California came to pick up the money. Sergeant Deeb says that’s the same man he spotted in North Greenbush.

Comfort is charged with grand larceny there, and attempted grand larceny in Colonie.

Hear Sgt. Deeb’s advice on what to watch out for so you don’t fall victim to a grandparent scam by watching the video of Kumi Tucker’s story.