Scituate, R.I. police set up sting to catch man accused in ‘grandparent scam’

Police in Scituate, R.I., arrested a 34-year-old man accused of scamming an elderly woman last week out of thousands of dollars, a so-called “grandparent scam.”

David Bollwage of Exeter, R.I. was charged with two counts of obtaining money under false pretense with an elderly victim, conspiracy, and obstructing an officer in execution of duty, according to police. 

Officers responded to a home on Orchard Drive for the report of a possible elder scam on March 6, police said. At the scene, the officers learned the elderly victim had delivered about $34,000 in cash earlier in the day to two different men as part of the alleged scam. The woman was led to believe that her grandson was in legal trouble from a car accident and that the money she was providing would help “secure his freedom,” police said.

A police sergeant worked with the woman to arrange for the scammers to return the next day, when they had intended to pick up an additional $18,000 from her.

On March 7, police said Bollwage arrived at the woman’s home to pick up the third installment of the money. A detective, who was in the area, was told by the woman that Bollwage was the man who picked up the second payment the day before.

According to police, once the woman gave Bollwage the third package, he turned to leave. He was allegedly told by the detective to stop, but continued to walk away and was then arrested.

He was alone at the time of the arrest, according to police.

The incident remains under investigation, but Scituate police took the opportunity to issue a warning to the community about the prevalence of the scams targeting grandparents.

“Scams are rampant these days, and the grandparent scam is one of the most common,” the department said.

Police said the scams typically begin with a phone call from “someone claiming to be your grandchild.”

“There has been an accident, arrest, or robbery and they urgently need money,” the department said. “They instruct you to send a large sum of money and beg you not to tell their parents.”

Police said individuals approached with such a plea should “resist the urge to instantly act on your emotions” and take several steps before sending money anywhere.

“Try to contact your grandchild on their usual number or reach out to a family member to confirm they’re not in trouble,” police said. “If you’re concerned that they’re really in danger, please contact your local law enforcement.”

Dialynn Dwyer

Dialynn Dwyer is a reporter and editor at Boston.com, covering breaking and local news across Boston and New England.

 

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