On February 17, 2022, at approximately 1530 hours, an unknown male scammed an East Cocalico Township resident out of a large sum of money, claiming their grandson was in legal trouble and needed bail money.  The unknown suspect arrived at the residence on foot and was given the money and may have gotten into a red sedan, possibly a Honda or Ford with a black front bumper that was parked down the street.   If you have seen this vehicle or know the whereabouts, please contact the East Cocalico Township Police Department at 717-336-1725.  

Police remind residents if you are contacted by someone claiming to be from a Sheriff's or Police Department and they are requiring immediate payment to avoid jail time, it is probably a scam. If you get a phone call from a family member in another state begging for money to avoid jail, call that family member prior to actually sending money.  

If you are ever in doubt about whether a caller is genuine, advise the caller that you are notifying your local police department, hang up and then contact us at 717-336-1725.  DO NOT give anyone your personal information including your social security number, date of birth and bank/credit card account information.   A clear sign that you are being scammed is the caller asking for money, or payment using alternative methods, such as prepaid money cards, money grams, ITunes gift cards, etc.