tl;dr
Grandparent scams trick victims into believing a loved one is in urgent trouble and needs money fast. Scammers often pose as grandchildren or officials, using personal details from social media to make their stories convincing. If you receive such a call, don’t act immediately. Verify with family members first.
Reports continue to show that so-called grandparent scams are still claiming new victims. An August 13 NBC news report notes:
Thirteen citizens of the Dominican Republic have been charged with scamming 400 grandparents in the U.S. out of $5 million by posing over the phone as their grandchildren in need of help — sometimes targeting the same victims over and over — federal prosecutors said Tuesday.
These scams exploit the natural instinct of grandparents to protect and support their grandchildren.
How the Scam Works
The scam usually begins with an unexpected phone call. The caller may claim to be the grandchild in distress or an official, such as a police officer, lawyer, or embassy representative speaking on the grandchild’s behalf.
The story is always urgent and designed to provoke fear. Common scenarios include:
The grandchild has been arrested after a car accident and needs bail money.
She is facing charges for drug possession overseas and must pay a fine to avoid prison.
He has been mugged, lost his passport and wallet, and needs funds for medical treatment or to return home.
She has been kidnapped, and a ransom must be paid for her release.
Making the Story Believable
Scammers often use accomplices to make the situation seem real. After a short conversation with the supposed grandchild, the phone may be handed to a “police officer,” “embassy official,” or “kidnapper.”
To cover for differences in voice, the scammer may deliberately muffle the line, blame a bad connection, or claim that the grandchild has a facial injury, which is making them sound different.
Demanding Immediate Payment
The caller will insist that the situation is urgent and that the money must be provided right away. Victims may be told to:
Buy gift cards or pre-paid debit cards and read out the numbers.
Transfer money through wire services such as Western Union.
Send cash to an address or hand it to an accomplice who comes in person.
How Scammers Gather Information
Criminals often research families before making their calls. Social media profiles can provide details about travel plans, relationships, and even phone numbers. For example, a grandson’s Facebook post about travelling in South America can give scammers the perfect setup for a convincing story.
Armed with these details, the scammer calls the grandparent with a tailored tale that seems plausible.
Who They Target
Although many grandparents quickly recognise the call as fraudulent, elderly or vulnerable individuals are often deceived. Scammers may also target other family members such as uncles, aunts, cousins, or even parents.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Treat any urgent demand for money with suspicion, no matter how convincing the story.
Do not act immediately. Instead, try contacting the grandchild directly or speaking with other family members.
Warn elderly relatives about these scams so they are less likely to be pressured into sending money.
so cruel :(