The “Grandparent Scam” has been around for about a decade in different forms. It’s successful because scammers know Grandparents have a hard time saying NO to their grandchildren!
In this troubling scam, the scammer calls a grandparent and impersonates a grandchild in a crisis situation – asking for immediate financial help – usually claiming to have lost a wallet or been in an accident or even arrested, and often allegedly in a foreign country. The imposter scammer may even say in a sneaky way, “please don’t let my mom and dad know.”
The imposter scammer demands money by mobile payment app, money order, or purchasing gift cards (gift cards appear to be used the most now). I have noticed that a few of these scammers have requested to meet in person here in Westchester to pick up the money or gift cards.
Another common trick is for the imposter pretending to be a grandchild to hand the phone to an imposter lawyer who then explains the need for an immediate payment (legal fees, bail, etc.), and I’ve even noticed one who said, “I’ll send my paralegal to your house to pick it up.”
Unfortunately, these scammers often utilize access to grandparent’s personal information by mining social media or purchasing data from cyber thieves, which helps them create storylines to prey on the fears of grandparents. For example, they use the grandchild’s actual name.
The most distressing concern right now about the Grandparent Scam is that experts believe that it’s becoming even more dangerous through the use of AI. I’m hearing about scammers using an audio clip with the grandchild’s actual voice or even sharing a short video clip which “clones” the grandchild’s image and voice.
MY ADVICE:
- Once you hear the scammer mention your grandchildren, hang up the phone! And then call the mom or dad or even your grandchildren to make sure everything is okay.
- Scammers try to pressure you into making a quick/rash decision – they want you to send the money or gift card information immediately, so please remember to stay calm & refuse to be rushed! Plus, never respond to threats from the scammer.
- If the scammer says he or she is coming to your home – call your local police department immediately!
- If you wish to discuss any scam phone call like this, you can always call the Westchester County Consumer Protection Office at 914-995-2155.
Please share this post with your friends and family – be safe everyone!
Jim Maisano, Consumer Protection Director
Jim Maisano 