Grandparent Scams: How to Verify Emergency Calls from 'Family'

Understanding Grandparent Scams: How to Verify Emergency Calls from 'Family'

In today's fast-paced digital world, it's unfortunate that some individuals target seniors with scams, exploiting their love and concern for family. Grandparents often have a strong desire to help loved ones in times of need, which makes it essential to recognize these fraudulent schemes. Let's explore how to identify grandparent scams, how to prevent them, and where to find help if needed.

What Are Grandparent Scams?

Grandparent scams, sometimes called family emergency scams, involve tricksters impersonating a grandchild or other family member in distress. They often come up with stories about emergencies like accidents, legal trouble, or travel mishaps, urgently requesting money to fix the situation. These scammers might even use personal information found online to make their call seem more convincing.

Warning Signs to Look For

Recognizing the warning signs can help you avoid getting caught up in these scams:

• The caller claims to be a family member in trouble and needs money right away.
• The call is unexpected, often coming late at night or early in the morning.
• The caller insists on secrecy, urging you not to inform other family members.
• The payment method they ask for is unusual, like gift cards, wire transfers, or cash hidden in a package.

Steps to Protect Yourself

Here's how you can safeguard yourself from grandparent scams:

1. Pause and Verify: If an unexpected call comes from someone claiming an emergency, take a moment to breathe and verify who's calling.
2. Ask Personal Questions: Pose questions only your real family member would know, like the last time you visited together or a shared memory.
3. Reach Out: Call the family member directly or check with other relatives to confirm the situation.
4. Hold Off on Sending Money: Scammers often push you to act quickly. Take your time to ensure the request is real.
5. Block and Report: If you suspect a scam, block the caller and report the incident to local authorities and consumer protection organizations.

What to Do If Targeted

If you suspect you've been targeted by a grandparent scam:

• Don't engage further with the caller.
• Note down details of the call, like the caller's number and their story.
• If money was sent, contact your bank to see if the transaction can be reversed.
• Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov and your local law enforcement.

Real-Life Examples

Here are a couple of examples where seniors narrowly avoided scams:

• Mary, 72, got a call from someone posing as her grandson in jail. She asked for the family dog's name, and when the caller hesitated, she hung up and contacted her son, discovering her grandson was safe at home.
• John, 68, was told his niece needed bail money. He called her directly and found out she was at work, not in legal trouble.

Resources for Help

There are resources available for additional support and reporting scams:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): consumer.ftc.gov
• AARP Fraud Watch Network: aarp.org
• Local Law Enforcement: Reach out to your local police department for help.

Stay Safe and Informed

Dealing with a scam can be scary, but taking proactive steps can make all the difference. Keep yourself informed, maintain open communication with family, and trust your instincts. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent becoming a victim of grandparent scams. Spread the word to friends and family to keep everyone safe and secure.