An elderly Barrington resident received a call on Monday, April 25 from someone who said the resident's granddaughter had been arrested while in Miami and needed money for bail.

The local woman went to the CVS in Riverside and purchased $2,000 worth of iTune cards, as she had been instructed to do by the fake Miami police seargant. But before the Barrington woman doled out the card numbers over the phone, she called Barrington police.

A Barrington officer stopped by the woman's home and called back the alleged police in Miami, who turned out to be con-artists. CVS later refunded the woman her money from the cards.

A similar incident was reported on Tuesday, April 26, by an elderly Narragansett Avenue resident. The local man also contacted local police before sending out $1,000. Police checked the number of the caller (1-866-478-0679) and discovered it was also a scam.

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross said people need to be very careful before sending money or sharing personal information with anyone over the phone or online.

"... and when in doubt, always call us," he added.

The chief said he was happy to see that both residents in the recent incidents were not victimized, but believes others are. 

"It could be that some people don't report it because they're embarrassed," he said.

The Barrington Police Department phone number is 401-437-3930.