Scarborough police are warning residents about a telephone scam that has targeted older residents of Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Kennebunk and Falmouth.

"In each of the incidents, the elderly victim has received a phone call from an individual purporting to be a Canadian government official," said the press release issued by Scarborough.

"The caller informs the elderly victim that their grandchild has been detained by authorities in Canada and needs cash before they can be released and returned to the U.S. The caller provides the victim specific instructions on how to wire the money. In the Scarborough incident, the amount of cash involved was $1,000, while in other instances it has reportedly been as much as $2,500. In some cases, the caller reportedly knew the names of the victim’s grandchildren. Several victims, believing the calls to be legitimate, have complied with the caller’s request. They later discovered their relative had not been in Canada as claimed and the call was a hoax."

Seniors are more at risk to be targeted by such schemes, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Scarborough police recommend the following tips to avoid being the victim of telephone scams:

• Never give out financial or personal information about yourself to anyone via the telephone, email or any other method of communication where you don't know with whom you are dealing.

• Never send or wire money to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.

• Take your time and verify the accuracy of the caller’s claims. Legitimate companies or government officials won't pressure you to make a snap decision.

• Be sure to talk over such solicitations of money made by phone with a trusted friend, family member or financial adviser.

• If you have information about a fraud, report it to your local law enforcement agency.