City of Binghamton Police are advising residents to make sure any older family members are aware of an increasing in the scam where a caller claims to be a relative in some sort of trouble and in need of money.

Police say incidents of the scam seem to be on the increase.

Typically, the caller asks the older person to wire money or send cash cards to an address outside of the United States.

The authorities say the criminals are apparently finding information about the victims’ family members on social media.

No one should ever wire money to anyone without verifying the person’s identity through asking personal questions and contacting other close relatives.

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