Pennsylvania State Police Troop M Bethlehem officials recently announced the arrest of three individuals involved in two separate crimes described as “grandparents scams.”

On July 27 troopers responded to a residence in East Allen Township, Northampton County, for a phone scam.

The homeowner, 88, told troopers she received a phone call from an individual identifying himself as her grandson who was in prison and needed money to get out of jail. Another individual, identifying himself as the grandson’s attorney, next spoke on the phone and requested $6,500 from the homeowner.

After withdrawing money from the bank, the homeowner contacted state police who arrested a 25-year-old male, of Allentown, when he allegedly came to the homeowner’s residence. The male was charged with one count each of theft by deception, false impression and theft by deception, conspiracy, each is graded a Felony 3, according to authorities.

On Aug. 9, troopers responded to Main Street, Washington Township, for the report of a phone scam. The homeowner, 87, told troopers she received a phone call from someone identifying himself as her grandson who was in prison and needed money to get out of jail. Someone identifying himself as the grandson’s attorney, spoke to her on the phone and requested $8,800 cash from the homeowner.

After speaking to the individuals requesting money, the homeowner contacted state police who arrested a 29-year-old male of Pennsauken, N.J, and a 27-year-old male, of Philadelphia, who allegedly came to the residence for the cash, according to authorities.

Both were charged with one count each of theft by deception, false impression and theft by deception, conspiracy, each is graded a Felony 3, according to authorities.

State Police are urging anyone with similar incidents to verify the status of family members and to contact police if a scam is suspected.