GLOUCESTER, N.J. – An 82-year-old girl in Gloucester County, NJ mentioned half of her financial savings at the moment are gone after scammers pulled on her heartstrings.

Libby Maurer of Deptford Township mentioned she obtained a telephone name on September 16. She believed it was her grandson on the road.

“I used to be so emotional that I didn’t suppose straight in any respect. This particular person was hysterical crying on the telephone and mentioned I used to be in a automobile accident, I broke my nostril and I’ve a cut up lip,” mentioned Maurer. “It’s good to name my lawyer, you could get me out, don’t inform anyone.”

Maurer mentioned the caller defined he was in a automobile crash with a girl who’s eight months pregnant and, consequently, in jail.

The caller instructed Maurer to dial a telephone quantity for a public defender. The person on the opposite line mentioned bail was $80-thousand and she or he would wish to pay ten % in money to bail her grandson out of jail.

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“I had fallen a pair weeks earlier than, I mentioned I haven’t pushed in two weeks and I’m on oxygen 24-7, and he mentioned you’re the just one that may get it, and I used to be going to provide him my bank card and he mentioned no it needs to be money,” mentioned Maurer.

Deptford Township Police detectives are investigating and mentioned a key piece of proof is surveillance video that reveals the grandmother handing over the shoebox of money.

Maurer mentioned the scammers advised her to place the money between two magazines and into the field.

“I imply the place is the humanity on this crime. It’s an 82-year-old grandmother who’s on oxygen. She’s house alone. The suspect on this case actually labored on her feelings,” mentioned Detective Corporal Robert Jones. “These are funds that they should survive and it’s simply heartless people that may perpetrate one thing like this.”

Surveillance video captured the suspect who police describe as a white male, clear shaven, carrying a black tee shirt and black shorts. The person was driving a silver Hyundai Elantra “Touring” version that would’ve been a mannequin 12 months 2009-2012.

“If you happen to don’t acknowledge the quantity that’s calling you don’t reply it,” mentioned Det. Cpl. Jones. “The Federal Commerce Fee makes it very clear, slam the rip-off. If there’s something that feels mistaken about it, it most likely is, simply grasp up. If it feels suspicious after the very fact, name police or a trusted member of the family instantly.”

Maurer mentioned she lastly obtained a telephone name from her grandson later that day, and realized it was a rip-off all alongside.

“I used to be the right Patsy, and there have been so many purple flags,” mentioned Maurer.

If in case you have any info on this case, attain out to Detective Maureen Packer by way of e-mail at MPacker@deptford-nj.org or name 856-845-6300. You too can submit an nameless tip by emailing ideas@deptford-nj.com.