STANDISH, Maine — A Florida man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly carrying out a “grandparent scam” that defrauded an elderly Standish woman of $9,500, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say 48-year-old Julius Bighoro, of Miami, flew to Boston, rented a car, and drove to Maine with the intent of scamming the victim. He allegedly called the woman and told her her grandson had been arrested by Scarborough police. Posing as a legal representative, Bighoro instructed her to withdraw $9,500 to cover legal fees.
After the cash exchange, deputies intercepted Bighoro and arrested him without incident. He was booked into the Cumberland County Jail and faces charges of theft by deception and driving with a suspended license. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday in Portland. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and substantial fines.
The “grandparent scam” is a type of fraud where criminals impersonate family members in distress, often claiming to be injured, arrested, or in legal trouble, to manipulate older adults into urgently sending money.
The sheriff’s office is urging the public to stay alert to common warning signs like:
Unexpected, urgent phone calls
Requests for secrecy
Pressure to send money or meet strangers
They advise verifying such claims directly with family members, avoiding wire transfers or cash drop-offs, and reporting any suspected scams immediately.
The case remains under active investigation.
