Marin Co. grandfather scammed after trying to ‘bail’ grandson from court, sheriff says

( KRON ) — A grandfather in Marin County was scammed out of $4,000 believing he was bailing his grandson out of court. The Marin County Sheriff's Office has since arrested a suspect in connection to the scam on Saturday.

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MCSO said a suspect contacted the grandfather, claiming their grandson was at the Alameda County Court House. The suspect, according to officials, told the grandfather "he needed to come up with $9,000 for bail."

In reply, the grandfather said "he only had $4,000 available," per MCSO. Despite being about $5,000 short, the suspects "agreed to release his grandson for $4,000," officials said.

The grandfather then contacted MCSO officials. MCSO's Investigations Division, along with the Specialized Investigation Unit, coordinated the planned pickup at the grandfather's residence.

The scam suspect was arrested by officials upon arrival at the grandfather's home, MCSO said.

The suspect, who remains unidentified, was arrested for attempted embezzlement of an elderly adult, along with attempted grand theft, sheriff officials said.

MCSO encourages the community to speak to their older adult loved ones and warn them of this scam, and report any incidents to their local law enforcement agency.