BOSTON -- Police in Rockland are warning residents of a scam that is targeting senior citizens.

Two Rockland residents said that they received calls from people pretending to be their grandchildren asking for money to help them out of trouble.

Police said the so-called Grandparent Scam is when a call is placed to a senior's home, usually one who lives alone or with a senior spouse, miles away from their grandchildren. Police said the distance helps by reducing the possibility of the seniors confirming if the situation is true.

Police said with the help of slightly garbled phone connection, the scammer then pretends to be a grandchild by asking, "Do you know who this is?” When the senior guesses a name, the caller assumes that name and requests that money be wired to them.

Police said anyone who gets a similar call should press the caller for details and if they should hang up if the caller is elusive.

Anyone who has received a scam call is urged to contact Rockland police at 781-871-3890.