DPSS4361

Grandparent Scam

The grandparent scam has been around for years. The victim receives a phone call from someone who claims to be their grandchild. The perpetrator will state there is an emergency and they need money sent to them quickly, often through wire transfer or gift cards. The caller will request the grandparent to not discuss the call with other family members out of embarrassment. The caller may have gathered information regarding the victim from social media sites, hacked into an email account, or purchased a list of potential targets. The caller will supply the victim with enough pertinent information to make them believe the caller is their relative. The caller may use a second person to act as an authority figure, such as a policeman or lawyer to make the situation seem more authentic. People receiving a call such as this are advised to avoid panicking. Don’t let the urgency of the call pressure you into making a hasty decision. Avoid wiring money to someone you do not know, and without confirma- tion of an emergency. Police officials and other reputable businesses will never ask for payment in the form of gift cards. Instead, take the time to reach out to your relatives and verify the authenticity of the story. Ask the caller for a call back number. Most scammers will not provide one and will terminate the call. To try and avoid calls such as this, place privacy settings on your social media accounts and install antivirus software on your computer and other devices.

If you or someone you know has become a victim of the “Grandparent Scam”,

please report it to your local police department.

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