Warning About Scam Targeting Grandparents
By Susie Jones, NewsRadio 830 WCCO
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says the scam involves someone making a fake call to a grandparent and pretending to be in trouble.
NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Susie Jones Reports
Podcast
Jim Arlt is with the departments Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division. He said grandparents need to exercise caution if they receive a call from an alleged "grandchild" requesting money for an urgent situation.
Arlt said typically in the scam, the caller will claim they need funds wired immediately to cover the cost of a vehicle crash, an arrest or medical needs.
The caller also urges the grandparent not to tell their parents, but Arlt said that's the first thing you should do.
Arlt offers tips to grandparents and family members on how to avoid being taken by the popular "grandchild-in-trouble" scheme.
- Make sure of the caller's identity
- Verify the location of the family member by calling another family member
- Resist the pressure to act quickly
