Coakley warns elderly MA residents about scam

BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley is warning elderly residents about phone calls from scammers who pose as relatives who desperately need money.

In these "grandparent scams," an impostor typically calls an elderly person, claims to be a grandchild or relative and asks the victim to send money through a wire transfer service overseas.

According to Coakley's office, in some schemes the impostor will offer details about a legitimate relative, which can be easily found online. In others, the caller tricks the victim into revealing information the impostor can use. And the impostor will often say they've gotten in a bind while vacationing overseas.

Coakley said people shouldn't be afraid to ask questions or say no.