Each year, millions of elderly Americans are targeted by scammers who use a variety of deceptive tactics to con them out of their savings. To help keep seniors informed, the FBI is highlighting common scams. In part 2 of a 4-part series, Cassidy Taylor warns of scammers posing as family members in trouble…
Using the “Grandparent” scam, criminals pose as a relative, usually a grandchild, and call claiming to be in immediate dire need of money.
They’ll usually say they’ve been arrested and need money for bail, and will beg you to keep it a secret. They’ll ask for gift cards or for a wire transfer and, in some cases, they may try to send someone to your home to collect the cash. They may event get another person on the phone claiming to be a lawyer or police officer to make the story sound even more convincing. If you get a call like this, don’t provide any personal information. Get off the phone immediately and call your grandchild or their parents directly. If you think you’ve fallen victim to the “Grandparent” scam, call law enforcement immediately.
More information:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/04/dont-open-your-door-grandparent-scams
