If somebody calls and says you've won a prize but you need to put up $300 first, it's a scam

Boston Police report somebody is targeting Boston's elderly in a scam to suck out some money from them.

Several victims have reported to police receiving a phone call from number 702-330-9199 and other similar numbers. Victims are then told by the caller (suspect) that they have won a prize which includes a large amount of money, a new car or property. Victims are then instructed by the caller to go to a local convenience store and purchase a Green Dot Money Pack (reloadable credit card). After the reloadable credit card is purchased, victims are instructed to contact the caller (suspect) and provide the serial number to the prepaid card. Once that occurs, the suspect is given access to the account and the money.

Officers would like to take this opportunity to alert potential victims that there is no prize. This is a scam.

Police say they were alerted to the scam yesterday by a Jamaica Plain resident who got a call from somebody who told him he'd just won $225,000 and a new car, and that to redeem it, he'd have to put $300 on a Green Dot card and call back with its number. Instead, he hung up and called police.