BBB: Grandparent Scams still targeting seniors | News | unionrecorder.com – The Union-Recorder

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Clear skies. Low 46F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: March 2, 2022 @ 7:48 pm
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The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is still warning well-meaning seniors about “emergency” scams designed to fool them into thinking that their grandchild is hurt, has been arrested or is stranded, and in need of money.
According to recent FBI reports, the “Grandparent Scam” has been around since 2008, but they continue to plague well-meaning seniors. Retirees are an attractive target for financial scammers since they may have more disposable income and they are less likely to report being scam victims. Emergency scams play off of peoples’ emotions and strong desire to help others in need. Scammers impersonate their victims and make up an urgent situation – “I’ve been arrested,” “I’ve been mugged,” “I’m in the hospital” – and target friends and family with urgent pleas for help, and money.
One victim reported sending four transactions totaling $4,400 over a two-day period. She was duped after receiving calls alleging that her grandson had been arrested after being in an accident. The money was initially to cover fines and representation to get the grandson released. Soon, the caller needed money to cover the medical bills for a person injured in the accident. The victim claims that the scammer not only knew details about her grandson but also allowed her to briefly speak with someone that sounded like her grandson.
We also see this scam target families with loved ones deployed overseas, claiming to need the money to get back from a weekend pass. If you don’t send the money, they face being arrested for being absent without leave (AWOL).
BBB offers the following tips to avoid the Grandparent Scam:
 
 
 
 
 
 
For anyone victimized by this type of distressed loved-one call, BBB recommends reporting the incident immediately to your local police department and BBB Scam Tracker. For more consumer tips you can trust or to report a scam, visit bbb.org.
 
Kelvin Collins is president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving the Fall Line Corridor, serving 77 counties in East Alabama, West Georgia, Southwest Georgia, Central Georgia, East Georgia and Western South Carolina. This tips column is provided through the local BBB and the International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB). The Better Business Bureau sets standards for ethical business behavior, monitors compliance and helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses. Questions or complaints about a specific company or charity should be referred directly to the BBB at Phone: 1-800-763-4222, website: BBB.org or email: [email protected]

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