Macon Times

The Better Business Bureau 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. 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.

The BBB offers the following tips to avoid the Grandparent Scam:

Communicate: Loved ones should share travel plans with family members before leaving the state or country. Also, discuss this scam with older family members so they are aware of how the scam works.

Share information: Loved ones should provide the cell phone number and email address of a friend they are traveling with in the case of an emergency. Family members should remind students to be cautious when sharing details about travel plans on social media.

Know the red flags: Typically, the grandparent receives a frantic phone call from a scammer posing as their grandchild or a so-called “officer of the court”. The caller explains that the grandchild has gotten into trouble and needs help, perhaps caused a car accident, or was arrested for DUI or drug possession. The "grandchild" pleads to the grandparents not to tell his or her parents and asks that they wire thousands of dollars for reasons of posting bail, repairing the car, covering lawyer's fees, or even paying hospital bills for a person supposedly injured in a car accident.   

Ask a personal question, but don’t disclose too much information: If a grandparent receives a call from someone claiming to be their grandchild in distress, BBB advises that the grandparent not disclose any information before confirming that it really is their grandchild. If a caller says, "It's me, Grandma!" don't respond with a name, but instead let the caller explain who he or she is. One easy way to confirm their identity is to ask a simple question that the grandchild would know such as their middle name or what gift they gave the grandchild for Christmas. 

Discuss with family members: Even though the scammer will plead with you to keep this a secret from the parents, discuss the situation with someone and chances are you will find that your grandchild is safe and secure at home.

If you are the victim of a scam, call your local law enforcement agency, and also report the scam to the Better Business Bureau.

Original source can be found here.