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Crime as we know it is not a new phenomenon, but the types of crimes being committed are starting to change with the availability of new technology and easily accessible personal information. One such crime called the “Grandparent Scam” has resulted in the financial exploitation and victimization of many unsuspecting victims.
The scam involves instances where a person claiming to be a family member or close personal friend contacts the victim by phone or e-mail. The scammer fabricates a compelling story suggesting that he or she is in some type of trouble and needs immediate financial assistance. To help validate their story, the scammer is able to obtain personal information about the victim or the victim’s family through public data found on the internet or by hacking into the victim’s e-mail account.
Typically, the scammer will ask that you wire money immediately. Unfortunately, once the scam has been committed and money has been exchanged, there is very little that law enforcement can do because the perpetrator most often lives overseas. Even if you are wiring money to a location in the United States, the wire transfer immediately bounces to a location outside of the country.
A common tactic is when the scammer indicates a friend or family member has legal trouble or is in the hospital and in desperate need of medical attention. These are only a few scenarios used by scammers, but detectives from the Broward Sheriff’s Office have heard many more.
The most important thing we all can do is pass this information along to our friends, family and co-workers so they are aware of this common scam and could be a potential target. If you are ever contacted by a friend or family member in trouble, follow these important steps before providing any financial assistance:
• Stop and ask yourself if this person or family member would contact you in such a crisis.
• Make contact with other relatives or friends to verify the status and whereabouts of the person contacting you.
• Trust your gut instinct. If something does not seem right or is out of the ordinary, it is most likely a con.
Stay safe!
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