Scam preys on grandparents
Before you send money, check things out
[October 11, 2011]
The phone rings and it's one of your grandchildren, saying he’s in trouble and needs you to wire him money – quick. He's in a Canadian jail, maybe, or stuck in Mexico.
What grandparent could say no? After all, what's a few thousand dollars when someone you love is in trouble?
Stop! Most likely, it's a stranger on the phone, pretending to be your grandchild. He's trying to scam you out of thousands of dollars. He's probably already scammed others.
STCU is hearing from an increasing number of members who have nearly fallen prey. These aren't pushovers, either, but savvy, well-informed people who would be skeptical if they weren't so overwhelmed by concern.
What you can do
Before you send money, check things out. Ask yourself whether the person on the phone used his name, or did he identify himself vaguely, such as "your favorite grandson"? Did he mention any other family members by name? Did it really sound like him? Is it likely that he went on a long trip without your knowledge?
Dial your grandchild's number or call his parents to see if the story checks out. Don't worry about causing him embarrassment; you can soothe hard feelings later, if the story turns out to be true.
We all love our kids and grandkids. But don't let that love overwhelm your natural skepticism.
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