Beware of grandparent scams
Local law enforcement is alerting the public about the dramatic increase in grandparent scams being committed in communities across Southwest Florida.
The grandparent scam, or “granny scam,” works like this:
Someone claiming to be grandchild or other close family member contacts an individual claiming to be in trouble and in need of money. The caller will have information easily obtainable through public records found on the Internet such as the grandchild’s name, age, sex, address, etc. in order to convince you of their identity and make the story plausible. Often, another person will get on the phone claiming to be a bondsman, law enforcement officer, lawyer to validate the need for the money and to provide information on where and how to send the money. Subsequent calls may be made to verify that the money was sent and to extend a special “thank you to grandma.”
Because victims are embarrassed to come forward with personal experiences, it is difficult to know how many people in Florida have been victimized by this scam. However, accounts relating such occurrences are popping up daily in area newspapers.
Criminals prey on Florida communities because they are filled with retirees who many times are physically separated from family and vulnerable to a call for help. Unfortunately, once the scam has been committed and money has changed hands, there is little law enforcement can do. These scammers are difficult to trace and prosecute.
If you receive a call or an email from a grandchild or loved one asking for money, stop and think about the situation. “Would my grandchild call me in Southwest Florida with a crisis like this?”
If you are unsure, do your homework. Before sending any money, check the story out. Contact relatives to verify the status and whereabouts of the caller. Get a phone number from the caller and indicate you’ll call back. If the caller refuses to supply a call back number, then it’s most likely a scam. Verify the address and phone number to the jail or hospital where your grandchild is supposedly located. Call that agency and verify that your grandchild is there. Contact local law enforcement to assist in locating your grandchild and investigating whether or not you are being victimized in a scam.
If you feel you have been a victim of a grandparent scam, contact your local police department.
Other sources of information and support are available by calling the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida’s Elder Helpline at (866) 413-5337, or the Elder Abuse Hotline at (800) 96-ABUSE (962-2873).
Every five seconds a person over the age of 60 is abused in some way in the United States. Please use care, caution and vigilance to prevent abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
Source: Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
Beware of grandparent scams
Local law enforcement is alerting the public about the dramatic increase in grandparent scams being committed in communities across Southwest Florida.
The grandparent scam, or “granny scam,” works like this:
Someone claiming to be grandchild or other close family member contacts an individual claiming to be in trouble and in need of money. The caller will have information easily obtainable through public records found on the Internet such as the grandchild’s name, age, sex, address, etc. in order to convince you of their identity and make the story plausible. Often, another person will get on the phone claiming to be a bondsman, law enforcement officer, lawyer to validate the need for the money and to provide information on where and how to send the money. Subsequent calls may be made to verify that the money was sent and to extend a special “thank you to grandma.”
Because victims are embarrassed to come forward with personal experiences, it is difficult to know how many people in Florida have been victimized by this scam. However, accounts relating such occurrences are popping up daily in area newspapers.
Criminals prey on Florida communities because they are filled with retirees who many times are physically separated from family and vulnerable to a call for help. Unfortunately, once the scam has been committed and money has changed hands, there is little law enforcement can do. These scammers are difficult to trace and prosecute.
If you receive a call or an email from a grandchild or loved one asking for money, stop and think about the situation. “Would my grandchild call me in Southwest Florida with a crisis like this?”
If you are unsure, do your homework. Before sending any money, check the story out. Contact relatives to verify the status and whereabouts of the caller. Get a phone number from the caller and indicate you’ll call back. If the caller refuses to supply a call back number, then it’s most likely a scam. Verify the address and phone number to the jail or hospital where your grandchild is supposedly located. Call that agency and verify that your grandchild is there. Contact local law enforcement to assist in locating your grandchild and investigating whether or not you are being victimized in a scam.
If you feel you have been a victim of a grandparent scam, contact your local police department.
Other sources of information and support are available by calling the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida’s Elder Helpline at (866) 413-5337, or the Elder Abuse Hotline at (800) 96-ABUSE (962-2873).
Every five seconds a person over the age of 60 is abused in some way in the United States. Please use care, caution and vigilance to prevent abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
Source: Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
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