The Abington Police Department recently announced that Cristopher Enmanual Mauricio, 20, was arrested by Abington officers in York County on January 10.

Mauricio, who lives in Reading, allegedly used a “grandchild in distress” scam on an elderly Glenside couple in May 2022.

According to Lt. Fink’s press release, Mauricio eluded capture for several months, and is facing numerous felony theft related charges. He is currently being held at Montgomery County Correctional Facility on $2,500 cash bail.

From the press release:

On May 26, 2022, an elderly Glenside couple contacted the Abington Police Department to report that they had just been the victims of fraud. They received a phone call from a male claiming to be their grandson. The caller told them that he was in legal trouble in another state and he required substantial funds to be released from jail. The couple, concerned for their grandson’s well-being, agreed to pay the money. A short time later, a suspect arrived at their home and collected several thousand dollars in “bail money” from the victims. An Abington detective soon realized that the same suspect had committed similar crimes throughout the region. Over the next several months, the detective continued to gather evidence, which resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for the suspect.

The ‘Grandchild in distress’ scam is a common fraud which targets elderly victims. Suspects who prey on these victims are aware that the elderly are often more trusting of people, have utmost love for their grandchildren, and have access to retirement savings, making them vulnerable to these types of crimes. It is recommended that if you or your loved one receives a phone call of this nature, to immediately hang up and contact your local police department for assistance.

For the full press release, you can click here.