Friday, November 29, 2013

Elderly Woman Conned Out of $13,000

In a press release from the Orwigsburg Police Department, an elderly woman from the borough reported that she was conned out of $13,000.  They reportedly used something called the "Grandparents Scam" which targets the elderly.


In this case, the perpetrators presented themselves as the victim's grandson.  They advised the victim that he was outside the country and involved in a crash were another party was involved in the crashed and was killed.  They then said he needed the money wired immediately to assist with legal fees, etc.

In most cases involving "Grandparent Scams", the perpetrator often calls a grandparent or other relative pretending to be his/her grandchild/niece/nephew, etc. The caller sounds upset and typically states there are only a few moments to talk. Callers may say that they have a cold if you don't quite recognize their voice, or cue-in on feedback from the call to sound even more convincing (scam victims often report being sure they were talking to their actual relative, but it's a clever trick!). Their story generally follows a familiar line: they were traveling in another country with a friend, and after a car accident or legal infraction, they are in jail and need bail money wired to a Western Union account as soon as possible for their quick release.

Sums can vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars, sometimes over the course of two or three calls. In some instances, a second scammer calls back later pretending to be a law enforcement official or attorney, to confirm the story or ask for additional money. They may even claim to be employees of a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas!

Should you be targeted in this type of scam, there are actions you can take to protect yourself. Although the supposed grandchild may plead with you not to tell his/her family, you should immediately reach out to parents or other relatives to verify the information you receive. In the vast majority of cases, the real relative is safely where (s)he should be - at work, school or home.

If you have had similar experiences you should call your local authorities immediately.