Two Floridians arrested for attempting grandparent scam in Colonie

Two people from Florida are under arrest for trying to pull off the so-called grandparent scam.

Colonie police say the victim notified them immediately.

Police say Friday, April 21^st, around 10 am they went to a home in Loudonville for a possible scam in progress. The homeowner told police they got call from a male suspect pretending to be their grandson, telling them they need bail money to be released from jail.  A second person  got on the phone, pretending to be the attorney. Police say the suspects were asking for $19,000 in cash.

Katarina Schmieder, a spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau says this type of scam is very common. “They’ll often pretend there is an urgent situation and call and start demanding money, she said. It’s important that you’re able to verify that phone number with a family member before you send them anything. Don’t send them money, don’t send them gift cards and if it is a scam report that to police.”

In this case, the victim notified police right away. Officers say they saw the scam in progress when the two suspects showed up to the house to try and collect the money. Police arrested 25-year-old Zavier Buchanan and 25-year-old Melissa Charles were both arrested.