Beware of 'My Son's Car Broke Down' Scam: Woman Asks for Cash

There appears to be a scam going on in town over the past few days, according to

The scam involves a female going to houses asking residents for money. According to police, she tells people that her son has broken down on I-290 or Route 9 and that she needs money to help pay for the tow. She is typically asking for $20-$40, and adds that she will return the money later that day, and that her grandparents live on the street. The woman then references a neighbor and uses the neighbor's name, stating that she is their granddaughter.

"She uses an actual name of a fa mily on the street to sound legitimate," said police. "She probably obtains the name by looking at their mailbox."

These incidents occurred at least three times over the weekend—twice in the Deacon Street area and once on Rice Ave.

In one instance the female stated her name was "Erica."

"She has been successful in her quest for money," said police.

She is described by witnesses as being approximately 40-years-old, five feet three inches tall, slightly overweight, shoulder length brown hair, pale skin with freckles. She was driving an older green colored sedan, possibly a Toyota Corolla, and abruptly stopped in front of her house. One of the callers said that  she exited the vehicle and approached her.

Anybody with information is asked to call Northborough Police Detectives at 508-393-1522.