An old phone scam that is making the rounds again. It’s called the “grandparents scam,” because the caller pretends to be the victim’s grandchild who needs money because of an arrest or car crash. Managing editor Tami Roleff explains how you can avoid being a victim….
A grandparent receives a call in which the caller said her grandson had been in a car accident with a Mexican diplomat and was in jail; he would be released if money was wired for the grandson’s legal fees. The victim then received a second call, allegedly from a lawyer, asking for more money. To avoid being taken in by this scam, ask the caller information only you and your grandchild would know. Do not act without confirming the information; call your grandchild or his or her parents first on their phone to confirm whether the story is true. Refuse to send money via a wire transfer; you can never get it back. If you do fall for the scam, report it to the Sheriff’s Department.
BEWARE OF “THE GRANDPARENT’S SCAM”
