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Grandparent Scam Information
Grandparents often have a hard time saying no to their grandchildren, which is something scam artists know all too well. Scammers who gain access to consumers' personal information, by mining social media or purchasing data from cyber thieves can create storylines to prey on the fears of grandparents. The scammers call and impersonate a grandchild- or another close relative - in a crisis situation, asking for immediate financial assistance. Sometimes these callers "spoof" the caller ID to make an incoming call appear to be coming from a trusted source. Often the imposter claims to have been in an accident or arrested. The scammer may ask the grandparent "please don't let mom and dad know," and may hand the phone over to someone posing as a lawyer seeking immediate payment, a government official or a bail bondsman. The person receives a phone call initiated with a phrase like, "Hi Grandma/Grandpa! Do you know who this is?", or something similar. If the grandparent responds with a name, the con artist assumes the name is a grandchild's and uses it to pose as the grandchild. The "grandchild" describes some type of urgent trouble, often in a foreign country, and begs the grandparent to immediately wire money through Western Union or MoneyGram to pay for medical treatment, bail money, auto repair, or a ticket home. By claiming that they are embarrassed or there is no time to talk to others, the con artist tries to dissuade the grandparent from contacting the grandchild's parents or friends. Always use caution if you are being pressured for information or to send money quickly. Scammers often try to bully victims into transferring money through a mobile payment app, by wiring money, or by purchasing gift cards or money orders. Some may even request to meet to receive money in person. If you get a call like this, hang up and report it immediately to local law enforcement.
How to Avoid
Contact a family member who could confirm the caller's story. Try contacting the real grandchild at a number you know is accurate. You can also ask questions of the caller, the answers to which only the real grandchild would know. Be attentive to whether the caller is answering in detail or just guessing the answers. This scam depends upon a grandparent's compassion for their grandchildren outweighing any concern about potential scams. The various excuses created by fraudsters almost always involve an emergency and a desire for secrecy. A scammer often claims that there is no time to speak to others or that the "grandchild" will be embarrassed if other family members know about the situation. Fraudsters ask for secrecy because they know if you contact another family member, you will discover the scam. If you receive a fraudulent phone call like the Grandparents Scam, try to trace the call. Also, you should promptly file a criminal complaint.
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