Grandparent scams happen when a scammer targets an older victim. The scammer often poses
as a grandchild who’s in trouble and needs money immediately. The scammer will call and say
something like, “Grandma – I’m stuck in Mexico and need $1000 to get back home” or
“Grandpa – I’ve been arrested and need $500 for bail money!” The scammers rely on a sense
of urgency so that the victims will be less likely to question the scammer’s identity.
Sometimes, scammers randomly contact people. Sometimes they get your telephone number
or email from marketing listings or from social media. Many times they don’t know the name
of the grandchild they are impersonating. The scammer will say, “Hi Grandpa” in the hopes
that the victim will respond with the grandchild’s name by saying, “Sam, is that you?” The
scammers rely on the victim not questioning their true identity. Scammers will even find the
names of relatives on victim’s social media accounts and use those names to build trust with
the victim.
Often the scammers will call in the middle of the night so that the victim will be drowsy and
confused. This has two effects: 1. The victim is less likely to question the interaction because
the victim is not fully awake yet and 2. The scammer creates a sense of emergency by calling
late at night. Everyone fears a telephone call in the middle of the night. Scammers prey on that
fear.
Scammers will normally ask you to wire money to them. They may also ask for your banking
information, a credit card number, or a debit card number. Lastly, they may ask you to buy gift
cards or prepaid credit cards for them.
If you receive a telephone call, a text, or an email from someone claiming to be a relative and
asking for urgent help, you should always verify that person’s identity before sending money.
First, call the relative directly on the phone number you have saved under the relative’s name.
If you can’t contact that relative, call another relative to check on the person. Your grandson
might not be stuck in Mexico, but might be safe in his bed. By calling his mother or father, you
can confirm this. You can also ask the person questions that only your true relative would
know.
Always take your time. Question their identity. Don’t offer the person claiming to be your
relative any information. Don’t allow them to rush you into a decision. Remember, if
something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.